Current Evidence on Uterine Embolization for Fibroids

Abstract

Strong evidence for both safety and effectiveness of uterine fibroid embolization has been generated since the procedure's introduction. This review will focus on the key articles representing the best evidence to summarize the outcomes from uterine embolization. This review will attempt to answer three important questions associated with uterine embolization. First, does uterine embolization relieve symptoms caused by uterine fibroids? Second, how well does the improvement in symptoms and quality of life after uterine embolization compare with standard surgical options for fibroids? Finally, how durable is the improvement in fibroid-related symptoms and quality of life after embolization?

Uterine artery embolisation for IVC syndrome and severe lower extremity oedema secondary to IVC compression from massive fibroids

“…Our patient’s symptoms have continuously improved, and she will continue to follow with both interventional radiology and gynaecology to monitor for symptom recurrence. Randomised trials and retrospective data in the literature have reported fibroid symptoms recurrence rates after UAE of 7%–35% over approximately 5 years 1 4. Patients with recurrence have been treated with both repeat embolisation and hysterectomy with good results.…”

“…Uterine artery embolisation (UAE) has been well established as a safe and effective treatment modality for both bleeding and bulk symptoms caused by uterine fibroids, with numerous randomised trials in the literature which have been summarised in subsequent review articles 1 2. Bleeding symptoms include menorrhagia, polymenorrhagia (frequent but regular uterine bleeding) and menometrorrhagia (irregular uterine bleeding); typical bulk symptoms are generalised pelvic pain or pressure, bloating, urinary frequency, constipation, incontinence and dyspareunia.…”

Uterine Artery Embolization and New Ablation Techniques

“…Regarding the effect of UAE on heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB), it has been shown that most patients (73-90 %) reported improvement or disappearance of symptoms up to 5 years after treatment [ 43 ].…”

Updates on Uterine Artery Embolization

“…Since its introduction, strong evidence for safety and efficacy of UAE has been generated with low rates of complications. 5 This review will discuss UAE for the management of symptomatic uterine fibroids with special focus on emerging technical approaches and novel periprocedural patient care.…”