Outcomes after uterine artery embolization for pedunculated subserosal leiomyomas.

PURPOSE: To assess the safety and efficacy of uterine artery embolization (UAE) treatment of pedunculated subserosal leiomyomas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A review of patients undergoing UAE in a 30-month period (July 2004 to December 2006) was performed. Cases in which a pedunculated subserosal tumor (volume>or=4 cm3) was embolized were analyzed. The preprocedural volumes of the pedunculated tumor and uterus and the diameter and vascularity of the tumor and stalk were recorded. Posttreatment sizes of the pedunculated leiomyoma, stalk, and uterus were recorded, as was the presence or absence of complication(s). RESULTS: A total of 240 patients underwent embolization. Pedunculated subserosal leiomyomas were treated in 16 women, with a technical success rate of 100%. Preprocedural mean tumor and uterine volumes were 372 cm3 and 789 cm3, respectively. The mean stalk diameter was 2.7 cm (range, 0.8-7.8 cm). All pedunculated leiomyomas exhibited enhancement on contrast agent-enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) imaging (n=13) or vascularity on Doppler ultrasonography (US; n=3). Stalk vascularity was noted on MR imaging in 13 patients and was not assessed in the remaining three, who underwent US imaging. Imaging follow-up (mean, 5.9 months after UAE) demonstrated mean tumor volume reduction of 39.3% (95% confidence interval [CI], 28.2%-50.5%) and mean uterine volume reduction of 37.6% (95% CI, 26%-49.3%). There were no cases of continued tumor perfusion and no major complications. There was one minor complication of prolonged hospital stay (36 hours) for pain control. CONCLUSION: UAE was successfully and safely performed for pedunculated subserosal leiomyomas, with a tumor volume reduction of 39% and no unique complications related to these lesions.

Uterine artery embolization--inpatient and outpatient therapy: a comparison of cost, safety, and patient satisfaction.

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether uterine artery embolization (UAE) can be safely performed as an outpatient procedure without increased complications and readmission rates or decreased patient satisfaction rates and to determine the Canadian cost difference between performing UAE as an outpatient, compared with inpatient, procedure. METHODS: We performed a retrospective chart review and patient survey of 2 groups of patients, 132 patients who underwent inpatient UAE and 20 patients who underwent outpatient UAE. Of these, 82 and 18, respectively, were successfully surveyed by telephone. Variables examined included presenting complaints, postprocedural symptoms, patient satisfaction, and readmission or complication rates. We also performed a detailed Canadian cost analysis comparing inpatient with outpatient UAE. RESULTS: We did not find any statistically significant difference between inpatient and outpatient UAE on any of the patient variables measured, including presenting complaints, postprocedural symptoms, patient satisfaction, and readmission or complication rates. We also found that outpatient UAE costs significantly less than inpatient UAE, primarily owing to decreased hospital overhead costs for overnight admission. In Ontario, inpatient UAE costs per patient totalled dollars 3216.22, whereas outpatient costs totalled dollars 2194.53--a saving of dollars 1021.69, which represents a 31.8% cost reduction. CONCLUSION: Given these results, we recommend that centres consider performing UAE as an outpatient procedure. A key enabling factor is the ability to have several hours of close nursing supervision of the patient postprocedure, prior to discharge.

Laparoscopic ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation of uterine fibroids.

Four patients with symptomatic uterine fibroids measuring less than 6 cm underwent laparoscopic ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) using multiprobe-array electrodes. Follow-up of the treated fibroids was performed with gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and patients' symptoms were assessed by telephone interviews. The procedure was initially technically successful in 3 of the 4 patients and MRI studies at 1 month demonstrated complete fibroid ablation. Symptom improvement, including a decrease in menstrual bleeding and pain, was achieved in 2 patients at 3 months. At 7 months, 1 of these 2 patients experienced symptom worsening which correlated with recurrent fibroid on MRI. The third, initially technically successfully treated patient did not experience any symptom relief after the procedure and was ultimately diagnosed with adenomyosis. Our preliminary results suggest that RFA is a technically feasible treatment for symptomatic uterine fibroids in appropriately selected patients.

Percutaneous management of chronic mesenteric ischemia: outcomes after intervention.

PURPOSE: To assess the efficacy and durability of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA)/stent placement for treatment of chronic mesenteric ischemia (CMI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of patients treated from January 1986 to August 2003 was conducted. Twenty-nine patients (mean age, 62 years) were treated for clinical symptoms consistent with CMI. Clinical diagnosis was verified with angiographic assessment and PTA with or without stent placement was performed based on angiographic and/or pressure gradient findings. Outcomes were estimated with the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: A total of 63 interventions were performed in 29 patients during the study period. Of these 63 interventions, 46 PTA and 17 stent implantation procedures were performed. Thirty-four interventions were performed for SMA stenosis/occlusion, 17 interventions for celiac artery stenosis/occlusion, and four interventions were performed on aorto-mesenteric graft stenoses. Technical success was 97%, and clinical success (defined as clinical resolution of symptoms) was 90% (26 of 29 patients). Mean duration of follow-up was 28.3 months. Primary patency for all interventions at 3, 6, and 12 months was 82.7% (95% CI: 68.7-96.7), 78.9% (66.7-91.1), and 70.1% (55.1-85.6), respectively. Primary assisted patency for all interventions at 3, 6, and 12 months was 87.9% (79.0-95.3), 87.9% (79.2-95.1), and 87.9% (77.3-98.3), respectively. An average of 1.9 interventions per patient was required. One major complication occurred (3.4%). There were three minor complications (10.3%). CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous intervention for CMI is safe with durable early and midterm clinical success. However, repeated intervention is often required for improved primary assisted patency.