Complications after uterine artery embolization for leiomyomas

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.