BALTIMORE - Uterine artery embolization (UAE) is effective at reducing fibroid volume and its associated symptoms, according to a study of almost 400 women reported at the Society of Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology (SCVIR) meeting Monday.
Between December 1996 and February 2001, 395 women received uterine embolizations at the Royal Surrey County Hospital in Guildford, U.K. The procedure was performed using a 5-F Cobra catheter and a 3-F microcatheter, and the arteries were embolized to stasis with 355-500 micron polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) particles. Imaging with MRI and ultrasound was performed before embolization and at regular intervals thereafter. The patients, between the ages of 30 and 50, were followed for a mean of 16.7 months.
"Uterine artery embolization is effective and allows future pregnancy," said the hospital’s Dr. Woodie J. Walker. "The major complications are infection, chronic vaginal discharge, and amenorrhea."
Menorrhagia was improved in 84% of women, and menstrual pain in 79%, he said. Based on ultrasound results, the mean change in uterine volume was 55% and 73% in dominant fibroid volume. On MRI, the mean change was 53% for uterine volume and 64% for dominant fibroid volume.
Three women had postoperative infections requiring emergency hysterectomy. Twenty-three women (6%) had clinical failure or recurrence, and 9 (2%) had a hysterectomy.
Since the study began, 11 women have had 13 pregnancies, Walker said. In a longer series of 605 uterine artery embolizations, 65 women said they were actively trying to get pregnant. Of those women, 14 have had a total of 17 successful pregnancies.
By Damaris ChristensenAuntMinnie.com contributing writer
April 9, 2002
Related Reading
Pelvic MRI proves more reliable than ultrasound for uterine fibroids, April 8, 2002
Uterine artery embolization shrinks fibroids; most patients satisfied with results, March 29, 2002
UFE gets boost from public education effort, March 6, 2002
Uterine fibroid embolization can be done without ob/gyn support, March 8, 2001
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