EMBOLIZATION OF MYOMATA FOR PELVIC HEMORRHAGE - AN ALTERNATIVE TO HYSTERECTOMY

We evaluated the efficacy of transcatheter embolisation of the uterine arteries for the control of haemorrhage associated with myomata. Clin ical follow-up, size of uterus and individual myomata on ultrasound, c hart review for readmission and questionnaire administered by telephon e formed the data-base for 25 embolisation patients. All patients who underwent bilateral embolisation reported relief of menorrhagia. Patie nts also noted relief of pelvic pain and pressure. Ultrasound showed d iminution of total uterine volume of 46% and shrinkage of largest myom a of 37%. Failure that led to hysterectomy occurred in one patient; on e patient suffered endometritis post-procedure and required hysterecto my. Readmission for fever and gastrointestinal complaints occurred in three patients. Most patients complained of post-procedure pain which was managed on an out-patient basis. Embolisation of myomata may offer patients an alternative to hysterectomy that is less morbid. This pre liminary report requires further study.