Publication:

Uterine fibroids embolization in a tertiary hospital: our initial experience

Background Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) is a new modality which has appeared in the horizon for non-surgical management of many conditions including fibroids. Moderate to severe anemia with fibroids is one of the reasons for delay in definitive treatment. Need for blood transfusion and its consequent risk of adverse reactions and diseases became a necessity to consider alternative treatment.

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of UFE as an alternative to major surgery.

Methods Seventeen women with symptomatic uterine fibroids who declined surgery or were at poor risk for surgery were treated by Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE). The uterine arteries were catheterised and embolized with polyvinyl alcohol particles. The patients were followed up at regular interval clinically and with transabdominal ultrasonography.

Results UAE performed on all 17 patients had no major complications. Clinical follow-up showed a significant reduction in symptoms within six months of the procedure, with 79% improvement in menorrhagia and 86%   improvement in pain. Follow-up imaging showed reduction in fibroid sizes ranging from 9-60%. The mean procedural time was 150 minutes. The mean hospital stay was 5 days (range, 3 to 10).

Conclusions Mid-term results of UAE for the treatment of symptomatic fibroids in our hospital indicate this to be a safe and effective therapeutic option.