Objective: To determine whether uterine artery embolization is safe and eff
ective for treating uterine leiomyomata.
Methods: We analyzed 200 consecutive patients (61 reported previously) unde
rgoing uterine artery embolization for the treatment of uterine leiomyomata
at a single institution. After treatment, follow-up data were obtained by
written questionnaire mailed to the patients at intervals of 2 weeks, 3 mon
ths, 6 months, and 12 months after treatment. Follow-up imaging was obtaine
d at 3 months and 12 months after therapy. All complications and subsequent
gynecologic interventions were recorded prospectively, obtained using the
patient questionnaires and physician contact. The percentages and their 95%
confidence intervals (CI) were calculated to compare the symptoms at follo
w-up. Proportional odds models for repeated ordinal responses were used to
assess the stability of symptom improvement over time.
Results: The mean follow-up was 21 months (minimum 12). Heavy menstrual ble
eding improved in 87% (95% CI 82%, 92%) of patients at 3 months and in 90%
(95% CI 86%, 95%) at I year after therapy, Bulk symptoms improved in 93% of
patients (95% CI 88%, 96%) at 3 months and in 91% (95% CI 86%, 95%) at 1 y
ear after treatment. Only one major periprocedural complication occurred (p
ulmonary embolus), which resolved with anticoagulant therapy. Subsequent gy
necologic interventions occurred in 10.5% of the patients (95% CI 7.0%, 15.
0%) during the follow-up period.
Conclusion: Uterine artery embolization is safe and controls the symptoms c
aused by leiomyomata in most patients. (C) 2001 by the American College of
Obstetricians and Gynecologists.