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Uterine artery embolization for symptomatic fibroids
A Prollius1, C de Vries, E Loggenberg
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa. almereau@worldonline.co.za
Objectives:
The aim of this study was to introduce uterine artery embolization (UAE) as an effective and safe treatment option in patients with symptomatic fibroids.
Methods:
Sixty-one patients underwent UAE with a 3- and 12-month follow-up.
Results:
The procedure was well tolerated in all patients with the following symptoms improving: heavy bleeding [90% (95% CI 80.21%; 95.4%)]; dysmenorrhea [median -4 (95% CI -5; -4)]; feeling of a mass [74% (95% CI 57.9%; 85.8%)]; abdomino-pelvic discomfort [88% (95% CI 75.5%; 94.9%)]; and deep dyspareunia [90% (95% CI 71.1%; 97.3%)]. Uterine volume decreased by a median difference of 188 cm(3) (95% CI 146.5; 236), which related to a median % reduction of 37.7% (95% CI 32.4%; 45%) at 12-month follow-up. Most (91%) patients were satisfied with the procedure and only minor complications occurred.
Conclusions:
Uterine artery embolization can be performed effectively and safely at centers with the necessary expertise and can be used with success in Africa.