Uterine Artery Embolization for Symptomatic Adenomyosis: 7-Year Clinical Follow-up Using UFS-Qol Questionnaire

Area of Science:

• Gynecology
• Interventional Radiology
• Women's Health

Background:

• Adenomyosis is a common gynecological condition causing significant symptoms and impacting quality of life.
• Uterine artery embolization (UAE) is an interventional radiology procedure used to treat conditions like adenomyosis.
• Long-term outcomes of UAE for adenomyosis require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the clinical outcomes seven years after uterine artery embolization (UAE) for symptomatic adenomyosis.
• To assess health-related quality of life (HRQOL), symptom severity scores (SSS), patient satisfaction, menopausal status, and re-intervention rates post-UAE.

Main Methods:

• A prospective cohort study was conducted involving patients with symptomatic adenomyosis or adenomyosis with fibroids.
• Patients underwent UAE, and outcomes were assessed at seven years post-intervention.
• Data collected included HRQOL, SSS, satisfaction, menopause, and re-intervention rates using questionnaires and telephone follow-up.

Main Results:

• Twenty-nine patients with adenomyosis (15 with fibroids) were treated with UAE.
• At seven years, 18% of patients underwent hysterectomy.
• Significant improvements in HRQOL and SSS were observed at 3 months and remained stable up to 7 years; 72% of patients reported satisfaction with UAE.

Conclusions:

• UAE is an effective treatment for symptomatic adenomyosis, avoiding hysterectomy in a majority of patients.
• Long-term follow-up demonstrates sustained improvements in quality of life and symptom severity.
• UAE offers a viable alternative to hysterectomy for managing adenomyosis symptoms.