TRANSCATHETER UTERINE ARTERY EMBOLIZATION TO TREAT LARGE UTERINE FIBROIDS

Bilateral uterine artery embolisation was performed to treat eight wom en with symptomatic large fibroids requiring treatment. Uterine volume was quantitatively assessed by magnetic resonance imaging. Both uteri ne arteries were occluded effectively in all women, and the procedure was well tolerated, with a 24-36 hour admission for pain relief. The l evel of pain experienced was variable, but well controlled. Some women experienced intermittent vaginal discharge and pain following the pro cedure. Improvement of symptoms occurred in six of the seven women and the eighth woman conceived. There were no significant complications. At three months four women had a uterine volume of < 350 cm(3). Emboli sation appears to be a good alternative to surgery, but longer follow up is required to evaluate the long term effects and to determine thos e patients for whom the procedure is suitable.