Arterial embolization of uterine fibroids.

PURPOSE: the aim of this study was to analyze outcomes in a series of patients with symptomatic uterine fibroids who had undergone endovascular arterial embolization. METHODS: analysis included 36 patients with uterine fibroids and average age of 38.5 years, with bilateral endovascular embolization of fibroid-feeding arteries. Solitary uterine fibroids were present in 20 (56%) patients, and multiple in 16 (44%) patients. The patients were followed up to one year after embolization. RESULTS: in the subgroup of patients with solitary uterine fibroids, 6 months after the embolization, the volume of uterine fibroids was reduced to 50% in 16 patients, and to 38% in 4 patients. After one year, the volume of uterine fibroids was reduced to 50% in all 36 patients. In the subgroup of patients with multiple uterine fibroids, 6 months after the embolization, the volume of uterine fibroids was reduced to 50% in 10 patients, and to 36% in 6 patients. After one year, the volume of uterine fibroids was reduced to 50% in 14 patients, while in 2 patients the reduction of the volume remained 36%. After one year, all patients became symptomless. CONCLUSION: the results of this case series show high efficacy of endovascular embolization of uterine fibroids: with a minimally invasive treatment, the volume of uterine fibroids is halved and symptoms disappear, obviating the need for a surgical intervention.

[Intra-arterial embolisation of uterine fibroma].

UNLABELLED: Uterine fibroid are benign tumors that consist most of the tumor occurrences in pelvic cavity of women. Possible courses of treatment include: medicament treatment, surgical and new intra-arterial embolisation method. The aim of the paper is to present achieved results in intra-arterial embolisation treatment of Uterine fibroid. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective study was performed in the period from October 2007 until October 2008. It included 36 women with symptomatic uterine fibroid. They were treated by intra-arterial embolisation. All patients had control MRI examinations after treatment. Embolisation was performed by "cross-over" technique, using bilateral punction of femoral arteries, a selective catheterization a. uterine, and application of 750-900m Bead Blocks. RESULTS: Average age of patients was 38.5 years. The most of fibroids had intramural localization (39%). solitary fibroids were seen in 56% of patients, multiple in 44%. Gynecological hemorrhage was the leading symptom with 34 patients (94%). One year after receiving intra-arterial embolisation treatment, fibroid regression of 50% was registered in all patients. There were no serious complications noted in our study, with the exception of postembolisation syndrome which occurred in 11 (30%) patients in a relatively mild form. CONCLUSION: Intra-arterial embolisation of uterine fibroma is a method that in large percent of patients removes symptoms of uterine fibroma presence, prevents its growth, and safely helps women enter menopause when activity of hormone dependant tumor ceases.