Review of readmissions due to complications from uterine fibroid embolization

To determine the frequency, nature and outcome of complications resulting in readmission to hospital following uterine artery embolization (UAE).

A retrospective review of the medical notes and available imaging of 42 consecutive patients who had undergone elective uterine artery embolization for the treatment of fibroid disease was performed.

The mean age of the patients was 42 years (range 31--54 years) and seven patients (17%) were readmitted to hospital. The median time to readmission was 3 weeks (range 1-29 weeks). All seven patients were admitted with signs and symptoms of infection. In four patients an organism was isolated from high vaginal swabs, and in one patient the midstream urine sample was confirmed as the source of infection. In the other two patients no definite source of infection was identified. All patients were treated with intravenous antibiotics. Six of the seven patients responded to treatment. The remaining patient required hysterectomy for uncontrolled uterine sepsis.

Readmission following UAE is common and arises secondary to infection. Infection can occur several months after the procedure.