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Uterine arterial embolization for the management of leiomyomas: quality-of-life assessment and clinical response.
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1998
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The study aimed to evaluate uterine arterial embolization as a primary treatment for symptomatic leiomyomas. Uterine arterial embolization was performed on 53 women aged 33–58, and outcomes were assessed via patient interviews three months post‑procedure. Three months after embolization, 98 % of procedures succeeded, 88 % of patients reported marked bleeding improvement, 94 % of those with bulk symptoms improved, uterine volume fell 46 %, and 94 % would choose or consider the procedure again. Further investigation is warranted.
To determine the effectiveness of uterine arterial embolization as a primary therapy in the management of symptomatic leiomyomas.Uterine arterial embolization was performed in 53 patients (age range, 33-58 years) with menorrhagia, bulk-related symptoms (frequency of urination, sensation of pressure, sensation of mass), or both, due to leiomyomas. The effectiveness of this therapy in the control of symptoms and the patients' acceptance of the treatment were measured by means of the information from patient interviews 3 months after the procedure.Fifty-two (98%) of the 53 patients had technically successful procedures and were interviewed 3 months after embolization. Forty-six (88%) of these patients reported marked improvement in their abnormal bleeding. Twenty-nine (94%) of the 31 patients with bulk-related symptoms reported marked improvement in these symptoms. Follow-up ultrasonographic examinations showed a mean 46% reduction in uterine volume. Forty-one patients interviewed (79%) would choose this procedure again, eight (15%) would consider choosing this procedure again, and only three (6%) would choose another treatment option.Uterine arterial embolization is an effective therapy in the management of symptomatic leiomyomas and may prove to be a valuable alternative to myomectomy, hysterectomy, or other surgical procedures. Further investigation is warranted.