Repeat uterine artery embolization following poor results

It was the objective of this study to assess the efficacy of repeat uterine artery embolization following lack of symptom relief from initial procedure. We performed a retrospective chart review of patients undergoing embolization for symptomatic uterine myomata between 1994 and 2007. Success was defined based upon responses to symptom-relief questionnaires. Patients who reported no relief or worsening of symptoms were offered repeat embolization as well as surgical intervention. Patients who elected to undergo repeat embolization were evaluated for success following the procedure. During the study period, 1058 patients underwent initial bilateral uterine artery embolization. Forty-two (3.97%) patients reported unsuccessful symptom relief. Thirty-nine patients who reported poor results underwent a second bilateral embolization. Thirty-four of these patients completed symptom-assessment questionnaires; thirty-two patients (94.1%) reported symptom relief lasting at least six months post-procedure. The vast majority of our patients who underwent a second embolization after initial poor results had successful symptom relief. Patients should be offered a second uterine artery embolization after a poor outcome.