Selective uterine artery embolization as primary treatment for symptomaticleiomyomata uteri

Study Objective. To analyze initial experience with uterine artery emboliza tion for treatment of symptomatic leiomyomata. Design. Prospective, longitudinal study (Canadian Task Force classification II-2). Setting. Private practice, university-affiliated hospital. Patients. Three hundred five women (age 26-52 yrs). Interventions. Uterine artery embolization, performed over 2 years by a sin gle radiologist working in collaboration with a single gynecology practice. Measurements and Main Results. Embolization was technically successful in 9 6% of patients. No major complications occurred. Average reduction in uteri ne volume was 48%. Control of menorrhagia was reported by 86% of patients a t 3 months, 85% at 6 months, and 92% at 12 months after the procedure. Bulk symptoms were satisfactorily controlled in 64% of patients at 3 months, 77 % at 6 months, and 92% at 12 months. Six women subsequently underwent hyste rectomy and five had myomectomy. Conclusion. Uterine artery embolization appears to be a highly effective tr eatment for symptomatic uterine leiomyomata. Its impact on fertility and pr egnancy remain to be investigated fully.