[Influential factors to therapeutic efficacy of uterine artery embolization in the treatment of uterine fibroids].

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the therapeutic efficacy of uterine artery embolization in the treatment of uterine fibroids and to analyse the influential factors to the therapeutic efficacy.

METHODS

Thirty-two patients with symptomatic uterine myomas were treated by superselective catheterization and embolization of bilateral uterine arteries using PVA particles. Patients were followed for 6 months after uterine artery embolization. Baseline symptoms and the volume of the fibroids were used as parameters to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy. Influential factors to therapeutic efficacy were analyzed.

RESULTS

The clinical symptoms, especially heavy menstrual bleeding, were improved markedly. An average of 55.6% volume reduction of the fibroids was achieved during the 6 month follow-up. The submucosal and intramural location of the myomas reduced more in the volume compared with that of the subserosal location.

CONCLUSION

Selective uterine artery embolization is effective for uterine myoma. Influential factors to the therapeutic efficacy may include: postprocedural vascular reconstruction in the fibroid, location of the fibroid, hemodynamic status of the fibroid, and the mode of embolization (unilateral or bilateral).