Scholars International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology (SIJOG)
Volume-4 | Issue-04 | 149-155
Original Research Article
Uterine Artery Embolization of Symptomatic Uterine Fibroids: Success in Short Term Results
Dr. Saeeda Bin Salam Bahakam, Dr. Anila Aravindan, Dr. Anupama Bondili, Dr. Jamal Aldeen AlKoteesh
Published : April 22, 2021
Abstract
To evaluate the efficacy of uterine artery embolization (UAE) for the treatment of symptomatic uterine fibroids in patients treated at Al Ain Hospital, United Arab Emirates. Medical records and radiological images of all patients undergoing UAE in Al-Ain Hospital between 1 January 2012 and 31 December 2017 were retrospectively analysed. 141 patients aged 23-50 years were included in the study. Single femoral access technique was used in all patients. Clinical improvement was assessed by questioning patients regarding symptomatic improvement and follow up MRI to see the reduction in size of the dominant leiomyoma. Data was analyzed using SPSS 22. All 141 patients underwent technically successful UAE. 55 were lost follow up and were not included into the final analysis. Out of the remaining 85 patients, 55.3% were nulliparous and 44.7% were multiparous. A significant number of females that is 70.5% had multiple uterine fibroids compared to 30% who had only single uterine fibroid. 71.7% patients had menorrhagia pre-operatively, 98.4% had complete resolution at 6 months. As per the size reduction, paired t-Test showed statistically significant reduction in the mean leiomyoma size from 8 cm to 6cm and then further to 5 cm at 6 months and 1 year respectively. Almost 91.8% of the patients who underwent UAE were satisfied with the improvement in their symptoms as an outcome compared to 8.2% who were unsatisfied. Uterine fibroid embolization represents a promising method of treating fibroid-related menorrhagia and pelvic pain. Further studies with larger number of patients and long-term follow-up are needed.