[Uterine arteries embolization as a treatment of uterine leiomyoma]

Uterine artery embolization is a new method of treating uterine leiomyomata, first carried out in France in the early 90s. The procedures involve placing a small catheter into an artery in the groin and directing it to the blood supply of the fibroid. Little plugs of polyvinyl alcohol are injected through the catheter to block these arteries. This cause the fibroid to shrink. Indications for uterine fibroid embolization include menorrhagia, pelvic pain or pressure, other "bulk" syndrome (low-back pain, urinary frequency and constipation. The fluoroscopic-guided procedure is performed under local anesthesia. Most patients are discharged within 72 hours. Post-embolization syndrome including severe pain is managed with morphine via patient-controlled pump. Paper reviews long term outcomes. Uterine artery embolization has several advantages: high efficacy, less invasiveness, ability to treat multifocal changes, uterine preservation, shorter hospitalisation and recovery (low cost) and disadvantages: postembolic syndrome (pain and fever), unknown relations to pregnancy and lack of long term results.