[Embolization of uterine fibroids]

Uterine artery embolization (UAE) for symptomatic leiomyomas is a new attractive treatment in patients who don't desire pregnancy and for which conventional therapy has failed. Uterine fibroid embolization can also be considered for patients who desire pregnancy when myomectomy is technically difficult or impossible and in case of recurrence after myomectomy. 90% improvements are commonly reported in abnormal bleeding, pelvic pains, and in bulk-related symptoms. Although numerous pregnancies have been reported after UAE, the fertility rate after UAE remains to be compared to myomectomy. Absolute contra-indications are pregnancy, endometrial carcinoma, gynaecologic infections, adnexal masses, and rapid growth of uterine leiomyomas (considered as a significant sign of sarcoma). Besides procedure related risks of angiography some specific complications are reported: deep pelvic vein thrombosis with exceptional pulmonary embolus, vaginal discharges with sometime transcervical expulsion of fibroid (5%), transient or permanent amenorrhea (4-5%) and extensive necrosis (1-2%) with possible perforation and infection. A hysterectomy is needed to manage this complication in 0.9 to 0.3% of case. The mortality rate of embolisation is evaluated to 1/3.000 against 6/10.000 for the hysterectomy. UAE is proposed as a less invasive alternative to hysterectomy and myomectomy for the treatment of symptomatic leiomyomas. This technique allows reducing the hospital stay, the convalescence period, the morbidity and the mortality rate compared to conventional surgical treatment.