RESUMEN
PURPOSE: To assess the safety and efficacy of uterine artery embolization (UAE) using large calibrated tris-acryl gelatin microspheres. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred fifty-eight women with symptomatic uterine fibroids underwent UAE. Embosphere was used in 105 women and Embogold microspheres in 53 women. Major and minor complications were assessed. At 12 months, relief of symptoms and patient satisfaction were assessed and volume reductions of the uterus and dominant fibroid were calculated. RESULTS: Median age of the subjects was 43 years (mean, 42.3 y; range, 23-53 y). Preprocedural symptoms were heavy menstrual bleeding in 89%, pain in 64%, and bulk related symptoms in 57%. At 12 months follow-up, the proportion of women with heavy menstrual bleeding, pain, and bulk-related symptoms had decreased to 9%, 8%, and 8%, respectively. Patient satisfaction was grouped as follows: very satisfied 57%, satisfied 36%, and not satisfied 7%. Mean uterine and dominant fibroid volumes before UAE were 532 cm(3) and 201 cm(3), respectively. At 12-month follow-up MR imaging, mean uterine volume decreased to 260 cm(3) and mean dominant fibroid volume to 78 cm(3). These differences were statistically significant (P < .0001). There were no procedure-related deaths. No emergency hysterectomy was needed. Permanent amenorrhea occurred in 11% of women. Transient amenorrhea occurred in 13% of women, and fibroid expulsion occurred in 10% of women. Twelve women (7.6%) had additional therapy: nine underwent additional embolization and three had hysterectomy. CONCLUSION: Targeted UAE using large calibrated microspheres is safe and effective in the relief of symptoms in the majority of patients. At 12 months, a marked fibroid and uterine volume reduction is obtained.