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Initial results from uterine fibroid embolization for symptomatic leiomyomata
J B Spies1, A R Scialli, R C Jha
1Department of Radiology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20007-2197, USA. spiesj@gunet.georgetown.edu
Purpose:
To evaluate the safety and short-term efficacy of uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) in patients with symptomatic uterine fibroids.
Materials And Methods:
Bilateral UFE was performed in 61 patients with symptomatic uterine leiomyomata during a 16-month period. Imaging was performed before the procedure and at 3 months and 1 year after the procedure. Questionnaires were obtained at regular intervals after the procedure to assess patient outcome.
Results:
All procedures but one were technically successful. Mean clinical follow-up was 8.7 months. Minor complications occurred in five patients during the follow-up period. All were treated without permanent sequelae. Menstrual bleeding was improved in 89%, with 81% of patients moderately to markedly improved. Pelvic pain and pressure was improved in 96% of patients, with moderate to marked improvement in 79%. At initial imaging follow-up (mean, 4.4 months postprocedure), median uterine volume decreased 34% (P = .0001) and the median dominant fibroid volume decreased 50% (P = .0001). Imaging at 1 year (mean, 12.3 months) after the procedure showed continued reduction with a median uterine volume reduction of 48% (P = .0002) and median dominant fibroid volume decrease of 78% (P = .0002).
Conclusion:
In the authors' initial clinical experience, UFE appears effective in controlling symptoms and substantially reducing fibroid volume with few complications.