Open AccessFibroids treated by uterine artery embolization
Author(s) -
LUND NIELS,
JUSTESEN PER,
ELLE BO,
THOMSEN STEN GROVE,
FLORIDON CHARLOTTE
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
acta obstetricia et gynecologica scandinavica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.401
H-Index - 102
eISSN - 1600-0412
pISSN - 0001-6349
DOI - 10.1034/j.1600-0412.2000.079011905.x
Subject(s) - medicine , uterine artery embolization , uterine fibroids , hysterectomy , uterus , embolization , radiological weapon , uterine artery , angiography , radiology , surgery , pregnancy , gestation , genetics , biology
An increasing number of reports indicate that uterine fibroids can be successfully treated with uterine artery embolization (UAE). UAE seems to be a promising treatment for women who want to retain their uterus. This review summarizes the technical considerations and the results. UAE is a radiological procedure using angiography for visualization of the blood circulation. Subsequently, the flow through the uterine arteries is blocked resulting in infarction of fibroids. Success rates of 87% have been achieved with an average 57% reduction of fibroid volume. Complications have been few compared to hysterectomy and patient satisfaction is high. However, none of the reports include controls. Further studies are needed to optimize patient selection and to evaluate long‐term results.