B. Mclucas et al., EMBOLIZATION OF MYOMATA FOR PELVIC HEMORRHAGE - AN ALTERNATIVE TO HYSTERECTOMY, MINIMALLY INVASIVE THERAPY & ALLIED TECHNOLOGIES, 7(3), 1998, pp. 261-265
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.