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Vessel-sparing Excision and Primary Anastomosis
Published on: January 7, 2019
Outcomes following unilateral uterine artery embolisation
B McLucas1, R A Reed, S Goodwin
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California at Los Angeles, School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
The British Journal of Radiology
|March 15, 2002
Summary
Unilateral uterine artery embolisation can be successful in patients with a congenitally absent artery. Repeat embolisation may improve outcomes for those with initial technical failure.
Area of Science:
- Interventional Radiology
- Vascular Surgery
- Gynecology
Background:
- Uterine artery embolisation (UAE) is a standard treatment for symptomatic uterine fibroids.
- Successful UAE is typically defined by bilateral uterine artery embolisation.
- Outcomes for unilateral UAE in specific anatomical variations are not well-documented.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of unilateral UAE in patients with absent or previously ligated uterine arteries.
- To compare outcomes of unilateral UAE due to anatomical variations versus technical failure.
- To assess the impact of repeat embolisation procedures.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review and patient questionnaires.
- Analysis of three groups: unilateral UAE (absent artery), unilateral UAE (technical failure), and subsequent bilateral UAE after initial unilateral failure.
- Pre- and post-embolisation ultrasound for uterine and fibroid size assessment.
Main Results:
- Three of four patients with a congenitally absent uterine artery had successful outcomes.
- One patient with a previously ligated internal iliac artery experienced symptom worsening.
- Among patients with unilateral UAE due to technical failure, repeat embolisation led to success in 4 out of 5 cases.
Conclusions:
- Unilateral UAE may be successful in patients with a congenitally absent uterine artery.
- Repeat embolisation procedures should be considered for patients experiencing initial technical failure during UAE.
- Further studies are needed to confirm these findings due to small sample sizes.
