Alternative treatment for symptomatic fibroids.

The present review discusses treatment options for symptomatic fibroids. Although the standard treatment of fibroids has been surgical hysterectomy, an increasing number of reports indicate that uterine artery embolization with preservation of the uterus is a promising alternative. Other surgical and medical approaches reported during the past year are also addressed. The review summarizes patient selection, contraindications, results, complications and future considerations. Complications following uterine artery embolization treatment for symptomatic fibroids have been minor in comparison with those following hysterectomy. Although patient satisfaction is good, none of the studies included control individuals and further studies are needed to optimize patient selection and to evaluate long-term results of treatment.