ABSTRACT
Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of uterine arterial embolization (UAE) in the management of uterine fibroids (UF) and adenomyoma. Methods The UAE was carried out in 22 cases of UF and 2 cases of adenomyoma, including bilateral UAE in 23 cases and unilateral UAE in 1 case, by using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) particles as embolic materials. Results The success rate of UAE in the study was 95 8% (23/24). No serious complications occurred. The uterine and UF volume decreased remarkably in size 6 months after the treatment ( t =2 391 and 3 990, respectively; P =0 022 and 0.000, respectively). In the patient who underwent unilateral UAE, the UF gradually increased in size and a hysterectomy was required. The 2 patients with adenomyoma experienced relief with this treatment but had a recurrence 4 months after the surgery. Conclusions UAE is a safe and effective method in the management of UF but its long-term effects remains a question to be answered through further observations . The efficacy of treatment of this method for adenomyoma is not apparent.