The clinical responses of uterine artery embolization to treat uterine leiomyoma for 3 years / 대한산부인과학회지

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study is to evaluate the effect of uterine artery embolization as primary treatment for symptomatic uterine fibroid METHODS: From December 1999 to December 2004, 25 patients underwent uterine artery embolization for the treatment of uterine fibroid. The patients were followed up at regular intervals (at 1st, 3rd, 6th month and annual) for 3 years. The mean duration of follow-up was about 41 month (range; 41+/-15). During follow-up period, consecutive uterine and fibroid volume, and symptoms were checked. RESULTS: The uterine volumes were significantly reduced by 27% (P=0.0238) after 3month. And the fibroid volumes were significantly reduced by 59% (P=0.0070) after 1month. The uterine volumes were significantly reduced by 27% (P=0.0082) after 3 years. And the fibroid volumes were significantly reduced by 60% (P=0.0445) after 3 years. All women reported noticeable improvement of menorrhagia after complete of follow up. But, two of nine women who had symptoms of dysmenorrhea or lower abdominal pain, showed no changes in symptoms CONCLUSION: Uterine artery embolization appears to be effective in controlling symptoms, and substantially reducing uterine and fibroid volume with few complication after 3 years. However, long term follow-up will be necessary to establish the efficacy of this procedure.