Uterine artery embolization for symptomatic uterine fibroids

Uterine artery embolization (UAE) for symptomatic uterine fibroids offers a shorter hospital stay and a quicker return to routine activities as compared to hysterectomy or myomectomy but is associated with more minor complications.

A Cochrane review included 7 studies with a total of 793 subjects. As compared to surgery (hysterectomy or myomectomy), uterine artery embolization (UAE) reduced length of the procedure, hospital stay, and time to resumption of routine activities. Patient satisfaction was similar in both UAE and surgery groups (OR 0.90; 95% CI 0.45 to 1.80; 2 trials, n=295 women, I²=0%, moderate quality evidence). UAE was associated with a higher rate of minor post procedural complications and higher unscheduled visits, but there was no difference in major complications within 1 or 5 years. The rate of further surgical interventions was higher with UAE compared to surgery (within 2 years: OR 3.72; 95% CI 2.28 to 6.04; 6 trials, n=732 women, I²=45%, moderate quality evidence). There was a higher proportion of completely asymptomatic women after myomectomy than after UAE, but the difference was not significant.

See also systematic review and guidance by NICE (National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence), UK.

Ədəbiyyat

1. Gupta JK, Sinha AS, Lumsden MA, Hickey M. Uterine artery embolization for symptomatic uterine fibroids. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2006 Jan 25;(1):CD005073 [Review content assessed as up-to-date: Assessed as up-to-date: 17 April 2014].