Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 16, 2026
Introduction of Intracapsular Rotary-cut Procedures (IRCP): A Modified Hysteromyomectomy Procedures Facilitating Fertility Preservation
Published on: January 17, 2019
Symptom reduction and safety profile of uterine artery embolization for symptomatic fibroids
Jaroslaw Krzyzanowski1, Tomasz Paszkowski2, Piotr Szkodziak2
13rd Chair and Department of Gynecology, Medical University of Lublin, Poland. krzyzanowski.jaroslaw@tlen.pl.
Objectives:
To assess long-term efficacy and safety of uterine artery embolization for symptomatic uterine fibroids.
Material And Methods:
This retrospective cohort study included women undergoing uterine artery embolization for symptomatic fibroids from 2012 to 2023. A validated questionnaire assessed symptoms (e.g., heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain) pre- and post- uterine artery embolization. Data on fibroid characteristics, follow-up duration, menopause status, and complications were collected. Patients were stratified into follow-up terciles. Statistical analyses included Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, linear regression with menopause adjustment, and Spearman correlations tests (p < 0.05).
Results:
Uterine artery embolization significantly reduced symptoms, particularly bleeding-related complaints, with sustained efficacy across short-, mid-, and long-term follow-up, even after menopause adjustment. Menopause enhanced symptom relief. No correlations were found between symptom reduction and age, fibroid size, or prior treatment. Complications, mostly minor, occurred in a notable proportion, with rare major events. A small subset achieved successful pregnancies post-embolization.
Conclusions:
Uterine artery embolization is an effective, minimally invasive treatment for fibroid-related symptoms, with sustained benefits over time; menopause significantly predicts greater symptom improvement.
