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

Abstract

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).