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Updated: Aug 13, 2026

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Introduction of Intracapsular Rotary-cut Procedures (IRCP): A Modified Hysteromyomectomy Procedures Facilitating Fertility Preservation
Published on: January 17, 2019
Uterine artery embolization versus myomectomy: a multicenter comparative study
Scott C Goodwin1, Linda D Bradley, John C Lipman
1Department of Veterans Affairs, The University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA. scott.goodwin@med.va.gov
Fertility and Sterility
|January 18, 2006
Summary
Uterine artery embolization (UAE) and myomectomy both improve quality of life for uterine fibroid patients. UAE offers faster recovery, shorter hospital stays, and fewer adverse events compared to myomectomy.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Minimally Invasive Surgery
- Gynecologic Surgery
Background:
- Uterine fibroids significantly impact women's quality of life.
- Surgical options like myomectomy and uterine artery embolization (UAE) are available for treatment.
- Comparative data on patient outcomes and quality of life is crucial for informed decision-making.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess quality of life improvements after UAE.
- To compare the outcomes of UAE and myomectomy for uterine fibroids.
- To evaluate differences in recovery, hospital stay, and adverse events between the two procedures.
Main Methods:
- Prospective cohort controlled study conducted across sixteen US medical centers.
- 149 patients underwent UAE, and 60 patients underwent myomectomy, with treatment decisions based on physician and patient consensus.
- Outcomes measured included quality of life scores, menstrual bleeding, uterine volume, time to recovery, and adverse events over 6 months to 1 year follow-up.
Main Results:
- Both UAE and myomectomy groups showed significant improvements in quality of life, menstrual bleeding, and uterine volume.
- UAE patients experienced shorter hospital stays (1 day vs. 2.5 days) and quicker return to normal activities (15 days vs. 44 days) and work (10 days vs. 37 days).
- Adverse events were less frequent in the UAE group (22.1%) compared to the myomectomy group (40.1%).
Conclusions:
- Both UAE and myomectomy lead to significant improvements in quality of life for women with uterine fibroids.
- No significant differences were found in the degree of improvement in bleeding, uterine volume, or quality of life scores between the two procedures.
- UAE is associated with advantages in terms of reduced recovery time, shorter hospital stays, and a lower incidence of adverse events.
