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Uterine arterial embolization for the management of leiomyomas
A Belenky1, M Cohen, G N Bachar
1Intervention Radiology Unit, Department of Radiology, Rabin Medical Center (Beilinson Campus), Petah Tiqva, Israel.
Background:
Leiomyoma is the common benign tumor of the female genital tract. The traditional treatment is hysterectomy, myomectomy or medical therapy by hormonal manipulation. Uterine arterial embolization, a recognized treatment for acute pelvic hemorrhage, has recently been applied to the management of non-acute uterine hemorrhage due to leiomyoma.
Objectives:
To describe our experience with uterine arterial embolization for the management of uterine fibroid.
Methods:
Uterine arterial embolization was performed in nine patients with leiomyomas in whom medical therapy failed and who sought to avoid surgery.
Results:
Follow-up ultrasound examination after 2 months revealed an average reduction in fibroid volume of 38%. There were no early or long-term complications.
Conclusions:
Uterine arterial embolization appears to be effective and safe in the management of symptomatic leiomyomas. It is a promising alternative to myomectomy or hysterectomy and warrants further investigation in this setting.