RESUMO
STUDY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of hysteroscopic myomectomy after uterine artery embolization (UAE) for the treatment of large-sized submucosal myomas with deep intramural invasion that are difficult to treat with 1-step hysteroscopy. DESIGN: A retrospective cohort study (Canadian Task Force classification II-2). SETTING: An academic university hospital. PATIENTS: Eight premenopausal patients with symptomatic submucosal myomas with intramural invasion. INTERVENTIONS: All of the patients after bilateral UAE underwent subsequent hysteroscopic operation 3 to 15 months after UAE. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: A total of 8 patients who had a large-sized submucosal myoma with deep myometrial invasion were included. The average volume of the submucosal myomas was 87.7±39.9 cm3 as confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging, and the average patient age was 37.6 years. The mean volume reduction of the submucosal myomas was 83.3±16.4% after UAE, and no immediate complications were observed. One-step hysteroscopic myomectomy after UAE was successfully performed in all patients. Leiomyomas with hyaline degeneration were pathologically confirmed. All women showed improved symptoms, and there was no evidence of recurrence 1 year later. One patient conceived naturally and delivered a full-term baby. CONCLUSION: In premenopausal women with large-sized symptomatic submucosal myomas with deep myometrial invasion, hysteroscopic myomectomy after UAE is very effective and safe.