Initial results from uterine fibroid embolization for symptomatic leiomyomata

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and short-term efficacy of uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) in patients with symptomatic uterine fibroids, MATERIALS AND METHODS: Bilateral UFE was performed in 61 patients with symp tomatic uterine leiomyomata during a 16-month period. Imaging was performed before the procedure and at 3 months and 1 year after the procedure. Quest ionnaires were obtained at regular intervals after the procedure to assess patient outcome, RESULTS: All procedures but one were technically successful. Mean clinical follow-up was 8.7 months. Minor complications occurred in five patients dur ing the follow-up period. All were treated without permanent sequelae, Mens trual bleeding was improved in 89%, with 81% of patients moderately to mark edly improved. Pelvic pain and pressure was improved in 96% of patients, wi th moderate to marked improvement in 79%, At initial imaging follow-up (mea n, 4.4 months postprocedure), median uterine volume decreased 34% (P = .000 1) and the median dominant fibroid volume decreased 50% (P = .0001), Imagin g at 1 year (mean, 12.3 months) after the procedure showed continued reduct ion with a median uterine volume reduction of 48% (P = .0002) and median do minant fibroid volume decrease of 78% (P = .0002), CONCLUSION: In the authors' initial clinical experience, UFE appears effect ive in controlling symptoms and substantially reducing fibroid volume with few complications.