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Laparoscopic Extracorporeal Knot-Tying for Uterine Vessel Occlusion during Hysterectomy with Cervical Cerclage in Large Uteri
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Published on: September 12, 2025

Complications after uterine artery embolization for leiomyomas

James B Spies1, Amy Spector, Antoinette R Roth

  • 1Department of Radiology, Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC 20007-2197, USA. spiesj@gunet.georgetown.edu

Obstetrics and Gynecology
|November 9, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Uterine artery embolization for leiomyomas demonstrated a low short-term complication rate in a study of 400 patients. Serious complications were infrequent, indicating a favorable safety profile for this uterine fibroid treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Interventional Radiology
  • Gynecologic Surgery
  • Vascular Interventions

Background:

  • Uterine leiomyomas are common benign tumors affecting women of reproductive age.
  • Uterine artery embolization (UAE) is a minimally invasive treatment option for symptomatic leiomyomas.
  • Assessing the safety and complication profile of UAE is crucial for patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the frequency and severity of complications associated with uterine artery embolization (UAE) for treating uterine leiomyomas.
  • To evaluate the safety of UAE by analyzing adverse events in a large patient cohort.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective data collection on complications in 400 consecutive patients undergoing UAE for leiomyomas.
  • Complications were categorized and graded using Society of Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology (SCVIR) and modified American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) criteria.
  • Analysis included all adverse events within a minimum 3-month follow-up period, with confidence intervals calculated.

Main Results:

  • No deaths or major permanent injuries were reported.
  • The overall periprocedural complication rate was 8.5% (95% CI 6.0%, 11.7%), with serious complications (SCVIR class D) occurring in 1.25% (95% CI 0.3%, 2.5%).
  • Using ACOG definitions, overall morbidity was 5% (95% CI 3.1%, 7.7%), with one patient requiring hysterectomy.

Conclusions:

  • Uterine artery embolization is associated with a low short-term complication rate.
  • The safety profile of UAE for leiomyomas appears favorable, with minimal serious adverse events.
  • UAE represents a viable and safe treatment option for women with uterine leiomyomas.
Abstract

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