Abstract

LUCINO, Sergio; NANEZ, Mónica Liliana; CASTELLARI, Mario  and  OULTON, Carlos. Uterine fibroid embolization: morphologic and functional results at short-to-medium term. Rev. argent. radiol. [online]. 2010, vol.74, n.2, pp.159-170. ISSN 1852-9992.

Introduction: Uterine myomas are the most frequent solid tumours of the female reproductive system. In a high percentage of cases patients are asymptomatic; however, when clinical manifestations occur such as abnormal uterine bleeding, pain or compressive symptoms, some kind of therapy must be initiated. Uterine artery embolization (UAE) is an alternative to conventional surgical therapy. Purpose: The objective of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of UAE as treatment for symptomatic myomatosis at short and intermediate term, to evaluate the safety of this technique and to compare its results with other alternative treatments. Material and methods: Prospective study of 28 selected patients who underwent UAE from December 2000 to April 2005 and followed up until April 2008 whose average age was 41 years. All the patients presented with symptomatic myomatosis with menstrual bleeding disorders. All the patients desired to keep their uterus. The embolizing material was polyvinyl alcohol particles of 500-1000 μm. Results: Twenty seven patients were discharged 24 hours after the UAE. One patient remained hospitalized 12 more hours and 1 was readmitted 48 hours after the procedure, both due to pelvic pain. All the patients returned to their usual activities 7 + days after the UAE. None of the patients presented complications. All the patients remained satisfied with the results of the procedure at the 6-month control. Conclusion: UAE is an outstanding alternative to conventional treatment, with high technical success and safety. It should be considered for patients with symptomatic uterine myomas.

Keywords : Embolizatión; Uterine arteries; Myomatosis.

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