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Uterine artery embolization for symptomatic fibroids
Author(s) -
Prollius A.,
de Vries C.,
Loggenberg E.,
Nel M.,
du Plessis A.,
Van Rensburg D.J.,
Wessels P.H.
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
international journal of gynecology and obstetrics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.895
H-Index - 97
eISSN - 1879-3479
pISSN - 0020-7292
DOI - 10.1016/j.ijgo.2003.09.006
Subject(s) - medicine , uterine artery embolization , embolization , uterine fibroids , uterine artery , surgery , pregnancy , gestation , biology , genetics
Objectives: The aim of this study was to introduce uterine artery embolization (UAE) as an effective and safe treatment option in patients with symptomatic fibroids. Methods: Sixty‐one patients underwent UAE with a 3‐ and 12‐month follow‐up. Results: The procedure was well tolerated in all patients with the following symptoms improving: heavy bleeding [90% (95% CI 80.21%; 95.4%)]; dysmenorrhea [median −4 (95% CI −5; −4)]; feeling of a mass [74% (95% CI 57.9%; 85.8%)]; abdomino‐pelvic discomfort [88% (95% CI 75.5%; 94.9%)]; and deep dyspareunia [90% (95% CI 71.1%; 97.3%)]. Uterine volume decreased by a median difference of 188 cm 3 (95% CI 146.5; 236), which related to a median % reduction of 37.7% (95% CI 32.4%; 45%) at 12‐month follow‐up. Most (91%) patients were satisfied with the procedure and only minor complications occurred. Conclusions: Uterine artery embolization can be performed effectively and safely at centers with the necessary expertise and can be used with success in Africa.