[Uterine arterial embolization in the treatment of adenomyosis].

OBJECTIVE

To assess the clinical efficacy of uterine arterial embolization (UAE) in the treatment of adenomyosis.

METHODS

UAE procedures were performed in 23 patients with adenomyosis. Two 3.0 F FASTRACKER-325 tubes were placed into bilateral uterine arteries respectively and the fresh gelfoam particles mixed with antibiotic drugs were used to embolise the arteries. After treatment the symptoms and uterine volume of all patients were investigated.

RESULTS

All clinical symptoms of 23 patients relieved. Dysmenorrhea completely disappeared in 19 patients, significantly alleviated in 2 patients. But in other 2 recurred. The uterine volume shrunk significantly [(50 +/- 18)%] vs [(100 +/- 0)%]. The blood flow within the uterine and lesions detect by color doppler flow imaging decreased immediately after UAE. Low-abdominal pain and slight fever were seen after treatment and recovered within 1 - 2 weeks.

CONCLUSION

UAE is an effective and safe method in the treatment of adenomyosis.