Pain Management Protocols During Uterine Fibroid Embolisation: A Systematic Review of the Evidence

Uterine fibroid embolisation (UFE) is an effective treatment for fibroids. There are varying analgesia protocols published to control procedure associated pain. We aimed to assess what protocols are most effective in controlling post-procedural pain.

A systematic review of the Embase and Medline databases was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Studies regarding analgesia protocols post-uterine fibroid embolisation with Visual Analogue Scale or Numerical Rating Scale pain scores were included. The mean maximal pain scores of patients post-procedure were evaluated. ANOVA and t tests were performed.

We identified 26 studies (total 3353 patients), with a mean procedural success rate of > 87%. We stratified protocols into four groups. Mean pain scores were: opioids ± NSAIDs ± acetaminophen (4.84, SD = 1.56); opioids ± NSAIDs ± acetaminophen + nerve block (4.7, SD = 1.37); opioids ± NSAIDs ± acetaminophen + intrauterine artery drug administration (4.09, SD = 0.60); and opioids ± NSAIDs ± acetaminophen + other (5.30, SD = 1.13) without significant difference between groups (p = 0.71). Similarly, there was no difference (p = 0.057) between groups for time to discharge or side effects.

There is no evidence to suggest that there is any superiority of one protocol above another in the published literature. Appropriate use of opioids ± NSAIDs ± acetaminophen alone appears to be sufficient to control pain post-UFE. However, due to large heterogeneity of the literature no firm conclusions can be reached, and further research is warranted.

Level 1, Systematic review.