Prophylactic Uterine Artery Embolization in Placenta Accreta Spectrum-An Active Intervention to Reduce Morbidity and Promote Uterine Preservation.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the feasibility and safety of early and proactive involvement of interventional radiology (IR) in the management of placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) by performing the cesarean operation and prophylactic uterine artery embolization in the IR angiography suite as a combined procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study evaluated the effectiveness and safety of prophylactic uterine artery embolization prior to placental separation in cases of antenatally proven or suspected abnormal placentation. Over a 5-year period, 16 consecutive patients with PAS underwent combined IR and obstetric intervention. In all cases, cesarean delivery was performed in the IR angiography suite. Vascular access was obtained prior to surgery with balloon placement into both internal iliac arteries. These balloons were inflated after delivery, followed by uterine artery embolization (14 of 16) if there was evidence of active postpartum bleeding or inability to deliver the placenta. RESULTS: There was no fetal or maternal mortality and no significant IR or surgical adverse events. Mean blood loss was 1900 mL. Seven patients (44%) underwent hysterectomy. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with PAS, cesarean section in the angiography suite preceded by prophylactic balloon placement and followed by uterine artery embolization was feasible, safe, and effective in preventing massive blood loss, with a 56% uterine sparing rate.

Efficacy of Embolization in Acquired Uterine Vascular Malformations: An Experience in Tertiary Care Centre in India.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy of Uterine Artery Embolization in patients with bleeding acquired uterine arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). METHODS: A prospective review of all patients who underwent Uterine Artery Embolization at our institution between July 2015 and April 2022 was performed. 225 patients were diagnosed with a uterine vascular malformation on doppler and corresponding MRI imaging. All patients underwent transcatheter embolization of the uterine arteries. Embolic agents in the 375 procedures included Histoacryl glue only (n = 326), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) particles and Histoacryl glue (n = 29), PVA particles (n = 5), Gelfoam (n = 5), coils (n = 4), PVA particles and coils (n = 3), Histoacryl glue and Gelfoam (n = 2), and Histoacryl glue and coils (n = 1). RESULTS: A total of 375 embolization procedures were performed in 225 patients. 90 patients required repeat embolization for recurrence of bleeding. The technical success rate of embolization was 100%. The clinical success rate was 92%: bleeding was controlled in 222 of 225 patients and three patients underwent a hysterectomy. 60 of the 225 patients had uneventful intrauterine pregnancies carried to term. The 210 patients who underwent successful embolization had no recurrence of bleeding at a median follow-up of 53 months (range, 5-122 months) after treatment. 15 patients were eventually lost to follow-up. One minor complication (0.4%) of non-flow-limiting dissection of the internal iliac artery occurred. CONCLUSION: Uterine Artery Embolization is a safe, effective, minimally invasive method to treat uterine AVMs with long-term efficacy, which can provide the preservation of fertility.

Cost-effectiveness of Myomectomy versus Hysterectomy in Women with Uterine Fibroids.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: Increasing evidence suggests that hysterectomy to treat uterine fibroids (UFs), even with ovarian conservation (OC), is associated with a 33% increased risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). We sought to compare the cost-effectiveness of various treatment approaches for UFs to understand the trade-offs among development of CAD vs new fibroids. DESIGN: We developed a Markov model to include women with UFs who no longer desired pregnancy. The outcomes of interest were quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) and total treatment costs. We conducted sensitivity analyses to test the effect of uncertain model inputs. SETTING: Health system perspective. PATIENTS: A hypothetical cohort of 10 000 40-year-old women. INTERVENTIONS: Myomectomy, hysterectomy with OC, and hysterectomy without OC. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Myomectomy was the best-value strategy, costing US$528 217 and providing 19.38 QALYs. Neither hysterectomy with OC nor hysterectomy without OC was found to be cost-effective, assuming a willingness-to-pay threshold of $100 000 per QALY gain as hysterectomy with OC provided more benefit than myomectomy at an average cost of $613 144 to gain one additional QALY. The sensitivity analyses showed that if the risk of new symptomatic UFs that required treatment after myomectomy was more than 13%, annually (base case, 3.6%), or the quality of life after myomectomy was less than 0.815 (base case, 0.834), then myomectomy would no longer be cost-effective, under a willingness-to-pay amount of US$100 000. CONCLUSION: Myomectomy is an optimal treatment of UFs compared with hysterectomy among women aged 40 years. The increased risk of CAD after hysterectomy and its associated costs and the effects on morbidity and quality of life made hysterectomy a costlier and less effective long-term strategy.

Pre-operative uterine artery embolization before hysterectomy or myomectomy: a single-center review of 53 patients.

PURPOSE: To assess outcomes of planned pre-operative uterine artery embolization (UAE) in patients with uterine fibroids at high risk for bleeding prior to hysterectomy or myomectomy. MATERIALS & METHODS: A retrospective review of 53 consecutive patients who underwent planned UAE followed by surgery from 2004 to 2019 was performed in a subset of patients deemed high risk for bleeding by the referring surgeon due to bulky fibroids and/or adhesions. Characteristics of the largest fibroid, total number of fibroids, embolic agents, estimated blood loss (EBL), complications, and other factors were collected. RESULTS: 53 patients (mean age = 41) had an elective UAE prior to a hysterectomy 24 (45%) or myomectomy 29 (55%). Median interval between UAE & surgery was 21.6 h (range 1.75 h-57 days). Of the myomectomies, 13 (45%) were open, 15 (52%) hysteroscopic and 1 laparoscopic. Mean number of fibroids/patient was 4.1 (SD 1.3), mean fibroid volume was 328 cm3 (range 11-741), and the mean fibroid diameter in longest dimension was 7.4 cm (range 3.2-15). Mean EBL was 90 (SD 99.5 mL). Three (10%) myomectomy patients required blood transfusion. All hysterectomies were via a laparotomy. Mean fibroid volume was 1699 cm3 (range 93-9099 cm3) with a mean maximum diameter of 16.2 cm (range 6.5-29.6) and an average of 2.4 (SD 1.7) fibroids. Mean EBL was 352 (SD 220 mL). Four (17%) hysterectomy patients required an intra- or post-operative blood transfusion. At a mean 1-year follow-up (range 1 month-14 years), 70% of UAE-myomectomy patients and 74% of UAE-hysterectomy patients reported symptom resolution. Three (6%) patients were readmitted: one for osteodiscitis, one wound dehiscence, and one for an infected retained fibroid after myomectomy. CONCLUSION: Planned pre-operative UAE resulted in intraoperative blood loss similar to "all-comer" myomectomy and hysterectomy patients in the literature. Further studies may elucidate which patients would be the best candidates for this staged treatment paradigm.

Superior Hypogastric Nerve Blockade for Uterine Artery Embolization: A Systematic Review.

Superior hypogastric nerve block (SHNB) has potential to reduce pain following uterine artery embolization (UAE). However, existing studies are limited by design, sample size, or conflicting results. A systematic review of the literature was performed. Outcomes included technical success, time to complete SHNB, time under fluoroscopy, procedure time, time to recovery, needle repositioning, same-day discharge, readmission, pain, analgesic consumption, and adverse events. Of 15 included studies, the same-day discharge rate was 98.8%, and readmission rate was 6.9%. The mean pain score was 3.4 in patients who received SHNB compared to 4.3 among controls. Of patients who received SHNB, 46.7% did not require further pain medication. Major adverse events occurred in 0.4% of patients. Early clinical studies suggest that SHNB appears to reduce pain and analgesic consumption in patients undergoing UAE. Additional randomized trials are needed to confirm these findings.

Association of menstrual blood volume and reproductive outcomes in patients with caesarean scar pregnancy managed using uterine artery embolization and curettage.

This study aimed to assess the association of menstrual blood volumes (MBV) and reproductive outcomes in patients after uterine artery embolization (UAE) combined with curettage for caesarean scar pregnancy (CSP). This retrospective observational study enrolled women who underwent UAE plus curettage for CSP at the Interventional Department of Henan Provincial People's Hospital between December 2012 and December 2017. The primary outcome was pregnancy rate and the secondary outcomes were live birth rate (LBR) and interpregnancy interval. This study finally included 37 women (16 women with normal MBV and 21 women with decreased MBV) with pregnancy intention after UAE plus curettage for CSP. The pregnancy rate in women with normal MBV was higher than those with decreased MBV (81.3% vs. 47.6%; P = 0.048). There were no differences between the two groups regarding the interpregnancy interval (18.4 ± 8.7 vs. 22.2 ± 10.0 months, P = 0.233), and LBR (63% vs. 38%, P = 0.191). In conclusion, Women with normal MBV after UAE combined with curettage for CSP management might have a higher pregnancy rate compared with patients with decreased MBV, but there were no differences in LBR between the two groups.

Short-term outcomes of uterine artery embolization for urgent or emergent abnormal uterine bleeding.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the outcomes of uterine artery embolization (UAE) for patients with urgent or emergent abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective review of all patients from 1/2009-12/2020 who were treated urgently or emergently with UAE for AUB. Urgent and emergent cases were defined as those requiring inpatient admissions. Demographic data were collected for each patient including hospitalizations related to bleeding and length of stay (LOS) for each hospitalization. Hemostatic interventions other than UAE were collected. Hematologic data were collected before and after UAE including hemoglobin, hematocrit, and transfusion products. Data specific to the UAE procedure included complication rates, 30-day readmission, 30-day mortality, embolic agent, site of embolization, radiation dose, and procedure time. RESULTS: 52 patients (median age: 39) underwent 54 urgent or emergent UAE procedures. The most common indications for UAE were malignancy (28.8%), post-partum hemorrhage (21.2%), fibroids (15.4%), vascular anomalies (15.4%), and post-operative bleeding (9.6%). There were no procedure-related complications. Following UAE, 44 patients (84.6%) achieved clinical success and required no additional intervention. Packed red blood cell transfusion decreased from a mean of 5.7 to 1.7 units (p < 0.0001). Fresh frozen plasma transfusion decreased from a mean of 1.8 to 0.48 units (p = 0.012). 50% of patients received a transfusion prior to UAE, while only 15.4% were transfused post-procedure (p = 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Emergent or urgent UAE is a safe and effective procedure to control AUB hemorrhage secondary to a variety of etiologies.

Long-Term Effect on Ovarian Function After Uterine Artery Embolization During the Postpartum Period: A Nationwide Population-Based Study.

Uterine artery embolization(UAE) is widely used in obstetrical indications, including postpartum bleeding and placental implantation abnormality, to manage many conditions to conserve the uterus. However, physicians are concerned about future fertility or ovarian function due to the occlusion of major pelvic vessels in the uterine artery embolization. However, there are limited data related to UAE usage during the postpartum period. This study was to evaluate the impact of UAE during the postpartum period on primary ovarian failure(POF), menstrual disorders, and infertility in women. Using the Korea National Health Insurance claims database, all pregnant women who delivered between January 2007 and December 2015 and underwent UAE during the postpartum period were identified. The occurrence of POF, female infertility, and menstrual disorders after delivery was evaluated. Using Cox proportional hazards models, the adjusted hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals were estimated. 779,612 cases were analyzed in the study with 947 women in the UAE group. After delivery, the incidence of POF (0.84% vs.0.27%, P<.0001) and female infertility (10.24% vs. 6.89%, P<.0001) were higher in UAE group than in the control group. After adjusting for covariates, the POF risk was significantly higher in UAE group than in the control group (HR 2.37, 95% CI 1.16-4.82). The risk for the disorder of menstrual frequency (HR 1.28, 95% CI 1.10-1.50) and female infertility (HR 1.37, 95% CI 1.10-1.71) was significantly higher in UAE group than in the control group. This study confirmed UAE during the postpartum period is a risk factor for POF after delivery.

Pregnancy Rate and Outcomes following Uterine Artery Embolization for Uterine Arteriovenous Malformations: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

PURPOSE: To systematically review published studies on the pregnancy rate and outcomes after uterine artery embolization (UAE) for uterine arteriovenous malformations (UAVMs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: International medical databases were searched for all English-language studies published between 2000 and 2022 on patients with UAVMs who had undergone embolization and had a subsequent pregnancy. Data on the pregnancy rate, pregnancy complications, and physiologic status of newborns were extracted from the articles. Ten case series were included in the meta-analysis, and 18 case reports on pregnancy following UAE were reviewed. RESULTS: In the case series, 44 pregnancies were reported in 189 patients. The pooled estimate of pregnancy rate was 23.3% (95% confidence interval [CI], 17.3%-29.3%). The pregnancy rate was higher in studies of women with a mean age of ≤30 years (50.6% vs 22.2%; P < .05). The pooled estimate of live birth rate was 88.6% (95% CI, 78.6%-98.7%). CONCLUSIONS: All published series report preservation of fertility and successful pregnancies after embolization of UAVMs. The live birth rate in these series does not differ substantially from that of the general population.

Comparison of clinical safety and efficacy of ultrasound-guided local lauromacrogol injection versus uterine artery embolization in the treatment of caesarean scar pregnancy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to introduce the relatively novel method of ultrasound-guided local lauromacrogol injection (USG-LLI) followed by dilatation and curettage for caesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) and to investigate the clinical safety and efficacy between uterine artery embolization (UAE) and USG-LLI in the treatment of CSP. METHODS: The relevant literature and articles about USG-LLI, UAE and CSP published in eight electronic databases were searched to extract the primary outcomes for the selected articles. Review Manager Software(RevMan) V.5.2 was used for quantitative data synthesis and data analysis. Forest plots, sensitivity analysis and bias analysis were also performed on the included articles. RESULTS: Of 10 studies included in our search, 623 patients were in the USG-LLI group and 627 patients were in the UAE groups. There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of success rate, blood loss and time to human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) normalization. However, USG-LLI group patients than UAE group patients had a shorter duration of hospital stay (mean difference [MD] = -1.97; 95% confidence intervals [CI] -2.63 to -1.31; P < 0.05; I2 = 95%), shorter restored menses (MD = -4.84; 95%CI -5.78 to -3.90; P < 0.05; I2 = 95%), and lower complication rates [odds ratio(OR) = 0.21; 95%CI:0.15 to 0.30; P < 0.05]; and cheaper on expenses of hospitalization (MD = -8028.29; 95%CI -10,311.18 to -5745.40; P < 0.05; I2 = 100%). CONCLUSIONS: The results demonstrate that USG-LLI is comparable in curative effect and success rates with UAE in the therapy of CSP, but patients in the USG-LLI group seem to have fewer complications rates, shorter duration of hospital stays and lower costs.

Efficacy and Safety of High-intensity Focused Ultrasound Compared with Uterine Artery Embolization in Cesarean Section Pregnancy: A Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy and safety of high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) compared with uterine artery embolization (UAE) in cesarean section pregnancy (CSP) and to calculate the success rate of HIFU. DATA SOURCES: We searched PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase on September 30, 2022, and the related studies were independently reviewed by 2 researchers. METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION: Medical subject headings and relevant terms from other articles were used for the database search. Patients with CSP who underwent HIFU were included in this analysis. The following results were recorded: success rate, intraoperative blood loss, time for serum beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (beta-HCG) normalization and menstruation recovery, adverse events, hospitalization time, and hospitalization expenses. We used the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale scoring system and the methodological index for nonrandomized studies system to evaluate the quality of the studies. TABULATION, INTEGRATION, AND RESULTS: Data from 6 studies were used to compare the efficacy and safety of UAE and HIFU. We pooled the success rate of HIFU by including 10 studies. No data overlap between the 10 studies. Success rate was higher in the HIFU group (odds ratio [OR] = 1.90; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.06-3.41; p = .03; I2 = 0). We performed the meta-analysis of single rate in R 4.2.0 software, and the success rate of HIFU group was 0.94 (95% CI 0.92-0.96; p = .04; I2 = 48%). Intraoperative blood loss (mean difference [MD]= -21.94 mL; 95% CI -67.34 to 23.47; p = .34; I2 = 99%) and time for serum beta-HCG normalization (MD = 3.13 days; 95% CI 0.02-6.25; p = .05; I2 = 70%) were not significantly different. Time to menstruation recovery (MD = 2.72 days; 95% CI 1.32-4.12; p = .0001; I2 = 0) in the UAE group was shorter than that in the HIFU group. Adverse events were not significantly different between the 2 groups (OR = 0.53; 95% CI 0.22-1.29; p = .16; I2 = 81%). Hospitalization time was not significantly different between the HIFU and UAE groups (MD = -0.41 days; 95% CI -1.14 to 0.31; p = .26; I2 = 55%). Hospitalization expenses of the HIFU group were lower than those of the UAE group (MD = -7488.49 yuan; 95% CI -8460.13 to -6516.84; p <.000; I2 = 0). Heterogeneity of the time for beta-HCG normalization, adverse events, and hospitalization time were improved after excluding one study, and HIFU showed better results in the sensitivity analysis of adverse events and hospitalization time. CONCLUSION: According to our analysis, HIFU demonstrated satisfactory treatment success, accompanied by similar intraoperative blood loss, slower normalization of beta-HCG levels, and menstruation recovery, but potentially shorter hospitalization time, lower adverse events and lower costs than UAE. Therefore, HIFU is an effective, safe, and economical treatment for patients with CSP. These conclusions should be interpreted with caution because of the significant heterogeneity. However, large and strictly designed clinical trials are required to verify these conclusions.

Clinical efficacy and re-pregnancy outcomes of patients with previous cesarean scar pregnancy treated with either high-intensity focused ultrasound or uterine artery embolization before ultrasound-guided dilatation and curettage: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) treated with either high-intensity focused ultrasound ablation (HIFU-a) or uterine artery embolization (UAE) combined with ultrasound-guided dilation and curettage (USg-D&C) was effective. However, there is insufficient comparative research evidence on clinical efficacy and subsequent pregnancy outcomes after previous CSP treatment. This study aims to investigate the efficacy, safety, and subsequent pregnancy outcomes of HIFU-a compared to UAE before USg-D&C for the treatment of CSP. METHODS: Between January 2016 and July 2020, a total of 272 patients received the pretreatment with HIFU-a or UAE(HIFU-a group: n = 118; UAE group: n = 154). The clinical characteristics, treatment success rate, postoperative pregnancy rate and outcome of the two groups were compared and analyzed. RESULTS: The demographic characteristics of the two groups were similar. After pretreatment, the adverse events rate of HIFU-a group was lower than that of UAE group (10.40% (16/154) vs. 40.70% (48/118), P = 0.00). All patients received the USg-D&C. The HIFU-a group was of less intraoperative blood loss (10.00 (5.00-20.00) vs. 12.50 (5.00-30.00) ml, P = 0.03). There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in success rates. However, the HIFU-a group was of a shorter duration of postoperative vaginal bleeding (12.00 (9.00-13.00) vs. 14.00 (12.00-15.00) days, P = 0.00). There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of subsequent pregnancy rates (P = 0.317). However, the recurrent CSP (rCSP) rate in the HIFU-a group was lower than that in the UAE group (7.70% (6/78) vs. 19.70%(13/66), P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: CSP treated with either HIFU-a or UAE combined with USg-D&C was safe and effective. Although no significant difference was found in the subsequent pregnancy outcomes of the two groups, the rCSP was more common in the UAE group. So, we recommend HIFU-a combined with USg-D&C treatment modality.

Repeat uterine artery embolization (UAE) for recurrent postpartum hemorrhage in patients who underwent UAE after a previous delivery: a multicenter study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate angiographic findings and outcomes of repeat uterine artery embolization (UAE) for recurrent postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) in patients who previously underwent UAE for PPH after a previous delivery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Among 1805 patients who underwent UAE for PPH from 2007 to 2020 at four participating hospitals, the data of 21 (1.16%) patients who underwent UAE for PPH after subsequent delivery were collected and analyzed retrospectively. The rate of placental abnormalities, causes of PPH, angiographic findings, and clinical success rate were evaluated. RESULTS: The technical success rates were 100% and 95.2%, and clinical success rates were 85.7% and 95.2% in association with first and second UAEs, respectively. The time intervals between first and second UAEs ranged from 15.6 to 103.3 months (46.5 ± 25.0 months). The rate of placental abnormalities was significantly higher in association with second UAEs than with first UAEs (71.4% vs. 42.8%, p = 0.034). The causes of PPH were different between first and second UAEs with borderline significance (p = 0.049); uterine atony (81.0%) and placenta accreta spectrum (57.1%) were most common in association with first and second UAEs, respectively. During second UAEs, obliterated arteries were observed in 27 uterine arteries (27/42, 64.3%) of 16 patients (16/21, 76.2%), with partial obliteration predominating over total obliteration. Collateral arteries were observed in 15 patients during second UAEs. CONCLUSION: Repeat UAE is safe and effective for recurrent PPH after subsequent delivery in patients with prior UAE. Obliteration of UAs and formation of collateral arteries are common at the second UAEs. KEY POINTS: • The rate of placental abnormalities was significantly higher in association with second UAEs than with first UAEs (71.4% vs. 42.8%, p = 0.034). • Obliteration of UAs and formation of collateral arteries are common at the second UAEs. • Repeat UAE is safe and effective for recurrent PPH after subsequent delivery in patients with prior UAE.

Asherman Syndrome after Uterine Artery Embolization: A Cohort Study about Surgery Management and Fertility Outcomes.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To study the severity of intrauterine adhesions (IUA) after uterine arterial embolization and to evaluate fertility, pregnancy, and obstetrical outcomes after hysteroscopic treatment. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort. SETTING: French University Hospital. PATIENTS: Thirty-three patients under the age of 40 years who were treated by uterine artery embolization with nonabsorbable microparticles between 2010 and 2020 for symptomatic fibroids or adenomyosis, or postpartum hemorrhage. INTERVENTIONS: All patients had a diagnosis of IUA after embolization. All patients desired future fertility. IUA was treated with operative hysteroscopy. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Severity of IUA, number of operative hysteroscopies performed to obtain a normal cavity shape, pregnancy rate, and obstetrical outcomes. Of our 33 patients, 81.8% had severe IUA (state IV et V according to the European Society of Gynecological Endoscopy or state III according to the American fertility society classification). To restore fertility potential, an average of 3.4 operative hysteroscopies had to be performed [CI 95% (2.56-4.16)]. We reported a very low rate of pregnancy (8/33, 24%). Obstetrical outcomes reported are 50% of premature birth and 62.5% of delivery hemorrhage partly due to 37.5% of placenta accreta. We also reported 2 neonatal deaths. CONCLUSION: IUA after uterine embolization is severe, and more difficult to treat than other synechiae, probably related to endometrial necrosis. Pregnancy and obstetrical outcomes have shown a low pregnancy rate, an increased risk of preterm delivery, a high risk of placental disorders, and very severe postpartum hemorrhage. Those results have to alert gynecologists and radiologists to the use of uterine arterial embolization in women who desire future fertility.

Complex Gynecologic Fistulas Presenting 10 Years After Uterine Artery Embolization.

BACKGROUND: Uterine artery embolization (UAE) is a minimally invasive procedure for treatment of symptomatic uterine leiomyomas, but long-term complications are under-reported. CASE: This is the case of a healthy 51-year-old woman who had previously undergone UAE for symptomatic uterine leiomyomas. The patient presented with gross hematuria and pelvic pain 10 years later. She was found to have both a vesicouterine and a uteroduodenal fistula. The patient was successfully treated with hysterectomy, excision of the vesicouterine fistula, partial cystectomy, excision of the duodenal fistula, and primary duodenal repair. CONCLUSION: Complex gynecologic fistulas may occur as a long-term complication in symptomatic women with a history of UAE.

Risk Factors Associated with Clinical Failure of Uterine Artery Embolization for Postpartum Hemorrhage.

PURPOSE: To identify risk factors for clinical failure of uterine artery embolization (UAE) for postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), with particular attention to the uterine artery diameter. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included 47 patients who underwent UAE for PPH between January 1, 2010, and January 31, 2021. Technical success was defined as the completion of embolization of the arteries thought to be the cause of the bleeding. Clinical success was defined as no recurrent bleeding or need for additional therapeutic interventions. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to examine the risk factors associated with clinical failure of UAE. RESULTS: Of the 47 patients, 6 had recurrent bleeding. Of the 6 patients, 4 underwent hysterectomy, and 2 underwent repeat embolization. The clinical success rate was 87.2% (41/47), with no major adverse events such as uterine infarction or death. In univariate analysis, there were slight differences in multiparity (P = .115) and placental abruption (P = .128) and a significant difference in the findings of a narrow uterine artery on digital subtraction angiography (DSA) (P = .005). In multivariate analysis, only a narrow uterine artery on DSA was a significant factor (odds ratio, 18.5; 95% confidence interval, 2.5-134.8; P = .004). CONCLUSIONS: A narrow uterine artery on DSA was a risk factor for clinically unsuccessful UAE for PPH. It may be prudent to conclude the procedure only after it is ensured that vasospasm has been relieved.

Unilateral Uterine Artery Embolization as a Treatment for Patients with Symptomatic Fibroids-Experience in a Case Series.

Background and Objectives: Uterine artery embolization (UAE) has become an accepted and widely performed therapy for patients with symptomatic (reporting at least two of the following symptoms: severe or prolonged menstrual bleeding, abdominal pain, tension in abdomen, problems with urination, constipation or anemia) uterine fibroids. Although in the majority of cases, bilateral occlusion is required to obtain a successful clinical outcome, there are patients in whom treatment of only one uterine artery could be attempted. There are several reasons for unilateral UAE: hemodynamic conditions, technical difficulties, anatomical variants and unilateral dominancy of blood supply to the fibroid. Our aim is to present our 10-year experience with unilateral UAE and evaluate the radiological and clinical outcomes. Materials and Methods: Records of 369 patients with fibroids who underwent UAE from 2010 to 2021 were analyzed. We identified 26 patients treated with unilateral uterine artery embolization and analyzed the data of these patients. All patients attended medical consultation, were assessed using a five-grade symptom scale and underwent MRI examination. Clinical response was evaluated at least 6 months after the procedure and was categorized to one of the following groups: complete improvement, partial improvement, no change and a worsening in symptoms. Results: Twenty-two patients (85%) reported at least partial improvement 6 months following the procedure. One patient required secondary embolization due to recanalization. The secondary procedure was successful, and complete improvement was achieved. One patient did not observe any clinical improvement, and in two cases, symptom recurrence was observed. All three patients were referred for surgical treatment. No major complications were noted. Overall, the success rate was 88%. Conclusions: The results of our study support the statement that elective unilateral embolization is an appropriate treatment in patients with a dominant uterine artery.