Pain and Return to Daily Activities after Uterine Artery Embolization and Hysterectomy in the Treatment of Symptomatic Uterine Fibroids: Results from the Randomized EMMY Trial

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of uterine artery embolization (UAE) and hysterectomy for symptomatic uterine fibroids by means of a randomized controlled trial. The present paper analyses short-term outcomes, i.e., pain and return to daily activities. METHODS: Patients were randomized (1:1) to UAE or hysterectomy. Pain was assessed during admission and after discharge, both quantitatively and qualitatively, using a numerical rating scale and questionnaires. Time to return to daily activities was assessed by questionnaire. RESULTS: Seventy-five patients underwent hysterectomy and 81 patients underwent UAE. UAE patients experienced significantly less pain during the first 24 hr after treatment (p = 0.012). Non-white patients had significantly higher pain scores. UAE patients returned significantly sooner to daily activities than hysterectomy patients (for paid work: 28.1 versus 63.4 days; p < 0.001). In conclusion, pain appears to be less after UAE during hospital stay. Return to several daily activities was in favor of UAE in comparison with hysterectomy.     

Uterine Artery Anatomy Relevant to Uterine Leiomyomata Embolization

To categorize the anatomic variants of uterine arteries, and determine the incidence of menopausal symptoms where the tubo-ovarian branches were seen prior to embolization. Between July 1997 and June 2000, 257 (n = 257) uterine fibroid embolizations were performed at our institution. Arteriograms were retrospectively evaluated. Uterine arteries were classified into groups: type I (the uterine artery as first branch of the inferior gluteal artery), type II (the uterine artery as second or third branch of the inferior gluteal artery), type III (the uterine artery, the inferior gluteal and the superior gluteal arteries arising as a trifurcation), type IV (the uterine artery as first branch of the hypogastric artery), inconclusive, or not studied. Tubo-ovarian branches were recorded if visualized prior to and/or after embolization. Menopausal symptoms were recorded (n = 175 at 3 months, n = 139 at 6 months, n = 98 at 1 year, n = 22 at 2 years) using written questionnaires. Five hundred and fourteen uterine arteries (n = 514) were evaluated. There were 38% classifiable types, 23% inconclusive, and 39% not studied. Classification was as follows: type I, 45%; type II, 6%; type III, 43%; type IV, 6%. Among 256 patients, tubo-ovarian arteries were seen in 36 prior to embolization, but not afterwards. In this group, 25 patients reported transient menopausal symptoms (hot flashes, amenorrhea). Five patients did not report any menopausal symptoms. Six patients did not answer the questionnaires. Type I is the most common type of anatomy, followed by type III. The tubo-ovarian arteries may be visualized prior to and/or after embolization. The embolization was monitored to avoid embolization of the tubo-ovarian branches. Menopausal symptoms were transient all patients when the tubo-ovarian branches were seen prior to embolization.     

MR Reproducibility in the Assessment of Uterine Fibroids for Patients Scheduled for Uterine Artery Embolization

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is increasingly applied in the evaluation of uterine fibroids. However, little is known about the reproducibility of MRI in the assessment of uterine fibroids. This study evaluates the inter- and intraobserver variation in the assessment of the uterine fibroids and concomitant adenomyosis in women scheduled for uterine artery embolization (UAE). Forty patients (mean age: 44.5 years) with symptomatic uterine fibroids who were scheduled for UAE underwent T₁- and T₂-weighted MRI. To study inter- and intraobserver agreement 40 MR images were evaluated independently by two observers and reevaluated by both observers 4 months later. Inter- and intraobserver agreement was calculated using Cohen’s κ statistic and intraclass correlation coefficient for categorical and continuous variables, respectively. Inter-observer agreement for uterine volumes (κ = 0.99, p < 0.0001), dominant fibroid volumes (κ = 0.98, p ≤ 0.0001), and number of fibroids (κ = 0.88; CI, 0.77–0.93; p < 0.0001) was excellent. For the T₁- and T₂-weighted signal intensity of the dominant fibroid there was good agreement between the observers (87%; 95% CI, 71.9%–95.6%) and the intraobserver agreement was good for observer A (95%; 95% CI, 83.1%–99.4%) and moderate for observer B (κ = 0.47). The interobserver agreement with respect to the presence of adenomyosis was good (κ = 0.73, p < 0.0001), while both intraobserver agreements were fair to moderate (observer A, κ = 0.55, p = 0.0003; and observer B, κ = 0.66, p < 0.0001). In conclusion, MRI criteria used for the selection of suitable UAE patients show good inter- and intraobserver reproducibility.     

Uterine Artery Embolization for Ureteric Obstruction Secondary to Fibroids

This case series examines the safety and efficacy of uterine artery embolization (UAE) in the treatment of obstructive nephropathy caused by large fibroids. Between 2004 and 2007, 10 patients referred with symptomatic uterine fibroids that were found to be causing either unilateral (7 patients) or bilateral (3 patients) hydronephrosis were treated by UAE. Presenting complaints included menorrhagia, dysmenorrhea, bulk symptoms, loin pain, postobstructive atrophy, and mild renal impairment. All had posterior intramural dominant fibroids >11 cm in maximum sagittal diameter and uterine volumes between 3776 and 15,625 ml. Outcome measures at between 12 and 36 months included procedural success, repeat intervention, relief of symptoms, resolution of hydronephrosis, stable renal function and size, and avoidance of hysterectomy. In all cases the cause of renal obstruction was confirmed to be a giant fibroid compressing the ureter at the pelvic brim. In all cases UAE was technically successful, though two patients required a repeat procedure. In eight patients hydronephrosis resolved and the obstruction was relieved, though two still had some bulk symptoms not requiring further treatment. Renal function improved or was stable in all cases. Renal size was stable in all cases. Where menorrhagia was part of the symptom complex it was relieved in all cases. Two patients diagnosed as having postobstructive atrophy of one kidney underwent retrograde ureteric stenting on the nonatrophied side prior to UAE. This was unsuccessful in one of the cases due to the distortion caused by the fibroid. Despite improvement in hydronephrosis this patient underwent hysterectomy at 7 months after a renogram demonstrated persistent obstruction at the pelvic brim. In the second patient a double pigtail stent was inserted with difficulty and eventually removed at 8 months. This patient has had stable renal function and size for 3 years post-UAE. We conclude that UAE is safe and effective in treating patients with obstructive hydronephrosis caused by large fibroids.     

Uterine Artery Embolization for Symptomatic Fibroids with High Signal Intensity on T2-Weighted MR Imaging

Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness of uterine artery embolization (UAE) for treating symptomatic fibroids with high signal intensity (SI) on magnetic resonance (MR) T2-weighted imaging (T2WI).

Materials and Methods

A total of 537 cases, consisting of 14 patients with high SI fibroids on T2WI (T2 high group), were retrospectively included and compared with 28 randomly selected patients with low SI fibroids on T2WI (control group). High SI of a predominant fibroid on T2WI was defined as having the same or higher SI than the myometrium. Patient ages ranged from 28 to 52 years (mean, 38.1 years). All patients underwent MRI before and after UAE. Predominant fibroid and uterine volumes were calculated with MR images. Symptom status in terms of menorrhagia and dysmenorrhea was scored on a scale of 0-10, with 0 being no symptoms and 10 being the baseline, or initial symptoms.

Results

Of the patients in the T2 high group, 13 out of 14 (92.9%) patients demonstrated complete necrosis of the predominant fibroids. The mean volume reduction rates of the predominant fibroids in the T2 high group was 61.7% at three months after UAE, which was significantly higher than the volume reduction rates of 42.1% noted in the control group (p < 0.05). Changes in symptom scores for menorrhagia and dysmenorrhea after UAE (baseline score minus follow-up score) were 4.9 and 7.5 in T2 high group and they were 5.0 and 7.7 in control group, suggesting a significant resolution of symptoms (p < 0.01) in both groups but no significant difference between the two groups.

Conclusion

UAE is effective for uttering fibroids showing high SI on T2WI. The mean volume reduction rate of the predominant fibroids three months after UAE was greater in the T2 high group than in the control group.     

Development of a Hypertrophic Ovarian Artery After Uterine Artery Embolization with Polyvinyl Alcohol Particles

Uterine artery embolization (UAE) for the treatment of symptomatic leiomyomata has shown excellent short-term clinical efficacy and minimal complications, yet recurrences after successful treatments at mid- and long-term follow-up have been reported. Exact etiologies for such recurrences have not been fully understood. We present a case of symptom recurrence with the development of a hypertrophic ovarian artery after successful UAE with polyvinyl alcohol particles, successfully treated with ovarian and repeat UAEs.     

子宫动脉栓塞治疗子宫肌瘤的临床应用研究

分析子宫动脉栓塞治疗子宫肌瘤的有效性和安全性。材料和方法：５１例子宫肌瘤行子宫通读动脉栓塞治疗,分别于栓塞后１、３、６、１２个月行Ｂ超随访肿瘤体积变化。结果：现例均无子宫坏死一严重并发症。栓塞后６个月,肿瘤体积缩小大于５０％、２０％￣５０％和小于２０％者分别为４１例（占８０．４％）、９例（１７．６％）和１例（占２％）,其中２例肿瘤全部消失。所有病例临床症状减轻或消失。４例自然受孕。结论：子宫动脉栓     

Outcomes After Unilateral Uterine Artery Embolization: A Retrospective Review

Purpose Bilateral uterine artery embolization (UAE) is considered necessary to provide effective treatment for symptomatic uterine fibroids. Occasionally, only unilateral embolization is performed, and this study evaluates these outcomes. Materials and Methods As part of a prospective observational study of more than 1600 patients treated with UAE since 1996, there have been 48 patients in whom unilateral embolization has been performed. This study retrospectively reviews clinical response as assessed by our standard questionnaire and radiological response assessed by either magnetic resonance imaging or ultrasound. Results Two principal groups emerged: the largest, where only the dominant unilateral arterial supply was electively embolized (30 patients); and the second, where there was technical failure to catheterize the second uterine artery as a result of anatomical constraints (12 patients). Favorable clinical response with a reduction in menorrhagia at 1 year was seen in 85.7% (18/21) of those patients with a dominant arterial supply to the fibroid(s). In contrast, in those patients where there was technical failure to embolize one uterine artery, there was a high rate of clinical failure requiring further intervention in 58.3% (7/12). Comparison of the technical failure group with the dominant uterine artery group demonstrated a statistically significant (Fisher’s exact test) difference in the proportion of patients with evidence of persistent fibroid vascularity (p < 0.001) and requiring repeat intervention (p < 0.01). Conclusion We conclude that unilateral UAE can achieve a positive clinical result in the group of patients where there is a dominant unilateral artery supplying the fibroid(s), in contrast to the poor results seen following technical failure.     

Sexuality and Body Image After Uterine Artery Embolization and Hysterectomy in the Treatment of Uterine Fibroids: A Randomized Comparison

In this paper the effect of uterine artery embolization (UAE) on sexual functioning and body image is investigated in a randomized comparison to hysterectomy for symptomatic uterine fibroids. The EMbolization versus hysterectoMY (EMMY) trial is a randomized controlled study, conducted at 28 Dutch hospitals. Patients were allocated hysterectomy (n = 89) or UAE (n = 88). Two validated questionnaires (the Sexual Activity Questionnaire [SAQ] and the Body Image Scale [BIS]) were completed by all patients at baseline, 6 weeks, and 6, 12, 18, and 24 months after treatment. Repeated measurements on SAQ scores revealed no differences between the groups. There was a trend toward improved sexual function in both groups at 2 years, although this failed to reach statistical significance except for the dimensions discomfort and habit in the UAE arm. Overall quality of sexual life deteriorated in a minority of cases at all time points, with no significant differences between the groups (at 24 months: UAE, 29.3%, versus hysterectomy, 23.5%; p = 0.32). At 24 months the BIS score had improved in both groups compared to baseline, but the change was only significant in the UAE group (p = 0.009). In conclusion, at 24 months no differences in sexuality and body image were observed between the UAE and the hysterectomy group. On average, both after UAE and hysterectomy sexual functioning and body image scores improved, but significantly so only after UAE. Trial registration: www.clinicaltrials.com (identifier: NCT00100191). All centers where the trial was conducted, other than those below, are listed in the Acknowledgments.     

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Analysis of Fibroid Location in Women Achieving Pregnancy After Uterine Artery Embolization

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the fibroid morphology in a cohort of women achieving pregnancy following treatment with uterine artery embolization (UAE) for symptomatic uterine fibroids. A retrospective review of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the uterus was performed to assess pre-embolization fibroid morphology. Data were collected on fibroid size, type, and number and included analysis of follow-up imaging to assess response. There have been 67 pregnancies in 51 women, with 40 live births. Intramural fibroids were seen in 62.7% of the women (32/48). Of these the fibroids were multiple in 16. A further 12 women had submucosal fibroids, with equal numbers of types 1 and 2. Two of these women had coexistent intramural fibroids. In six women the fibroids could not be individually delineated and formed a complex mass. All subtypes of fibroid were represented in those subgroups of women achieving a live birth versus those who did not. These results demonstrate that the location of uterine fibroids did not adversely affect subsequent pregnancy in the patient population investigated. Although this is only a small qualitative study, it does suggest that all types of fibroids treated with UAE have the potential for future fertility.     

Patient Presentation and Management of Labial Ulceration Following Uterine Artery Embolization

Uterine artery embolization is a safe and effective procedure for the treatment of symptomatic uterine fibroids. Nontarget embolization of adjacent internal iliac artery branches is a reported complication of uterine artery embolization. The following report describes the presentation and management of ulcerations of the labium minora due to nontarget embolization of the internal pudendal artery.     

Treatment of Uterine Artery Vasospasm with Transdermal Nitroglycerin Ointment During Uterine Artery Embolization

Uterine artery vasospasm can complicate uterine artery embolization (UAE) by prolonging procedure times or even causing treatment failure. Embolization must be delayed until the spasm improves and adequate antegrade flow in the vessel is restored. Vasospasm can also produce a “false endpoint” to the procedure, where stasis of flow in the vessel is falsely attributed to successful embolization but is actually the result of vasospasm, leading to undertreatment or treatment failure. Traditional treatments for uterine artery vasospasm have included transcatheter intra-arterial vasodilators and catheter withdrawal from the vessel, both of which can yield mixed results. We report a case of uterine artery vasospasm during UAE successfully treated with transdermal nitroglycerine ointment. Case Report     

双侧子宫动脉栓塞术治疗子宫肌瘤

本文介绍了经导管双侧子宫动脉栓塞术的临床病理基础、DSA造影和栓塞治疗的技术要点、临床处理以及介入操作经验，指出经导管动脉栓塞术治疗子宫肌瘤是一种有效、安全和较为成熟的治疗手段，具有操作简便、创伤很小、疗效较好、恢复快的优点，对一些不宜或不愿手术的患者特别有用。     

Ovarian Artery: Angiographic Appearance,Embolization and Relevance to Uterine Fibroid Embolization

Purpose: To describe the angiographic appearance of the ovarian artery and its main variations that may be relevant to uterine fibroid embolization. Methods: The flush aortograms of 294 women who had been treated by uterine artery embolization for fibroids were reviewed. Significant arterial supply to the fibroid, and the origin and diameter of identified ovarian arteries were recorded. In patients with additional embolization of the ovarian artery, the follow-up evaluation also included hormonal levels and Doppler imaging of the ovaries. Results: A total of 75 ovarian arteries were identified in 59 women (bilaterally in 16 women and unilaterally in 43 women). All ovarian arteries originated from the aorta below the level of the renal arteries with a characteristic tortuous course. Fifteen women had at least one enlarged ovarian artery supplying the fibroids. Fourteen women (14/15, 93%) presented at least one of the following factors: prior pelvic surgery, tubo-ovarian pathology or large fundal fibroids. Conclusion: We advocate the use of flush aortography in women with prior tubo-ovarian pathology or surgery or in cases of large fundal fibroids. In the case of an ovarian artery supply to the fibroids, superselective catheterization and embolization of the ovarian artery should be considered.     

子宫动脉栓塞术治疗症状性子宫肌瘤

目的　评价经皮穿刺经导管子宫动脉栓塞术 (UAE)治疗症状性子宫肌瘤 (UF)的临床疗效。方法　 2 6例患者临床症状包括月经不规则 (月经量增多、月经经期延长 ) ,盆腔区坠痛 ,盆腔区压迫症状 (尿频或便意感 )及贫血。均采用经皮股动脉穿刺双侧子宫动脉插管 ,超选至双侧子宫动脉远端 ,用PVA微粒 ( 3 5 5～ 5 0 0 μm) 2 0例 ,丝线微粒 6例。 结果　所有病例经 6～ 18个月的随访 ,2 4例临床症状明显改善 ,2例无效 ,均是丝线微粒作为栓塞剂 ,13例 2～ 6个月B超随访瘤体体积缩小 45 %～ 75 %。无严重并发症。结论　子宫动脉栓塞术是治疗子宫肌瘤近期疗效显著、较为安全的一种微创治疗方法 ,远期效果有待进一步观察     

子宫动脉栓塞在宫颈或切口妊娠人工流产手术前的作用

目的:将双侧子宫动脉栓塞术应用于宫颈或切口妊娠中止前,期望减少人工流产手术的危险性和出血量。材料和方法:12例宫颈或切口妊娠患者,术前采用明胶海绵进行双侧子宫动脉超选择性栓塞术,术后即刻或24h左右进行清宫手术,观察术中出血量和术后伴发症状。结果:双侧子宫动脉栓塞治疗过程非常顺利,12例清宫手术均安全顺利完成,出血量仅10~20ml,没有出现栓塞术或清宫手术的并发症。术后随访血液HCG均在4周内消失。结论:宫颈妊娠或切口妊娠在清宫手术前进行双侧子宫动脉栓塞的辅助治疗,安全性好,并发症少,操作简单,可有效地控制宫颈或切口妊娠中止手术中的出血量。     

Post-Operative Hemorrhage after Myomectomy: Safety and Efficacy of Transcatheter Uterine Artery Embolization

Objective

To evaluate the safety and clinical efficacy of transcatheter uterine artery embolization (UAE) for post-myomectomy hemorrhage.

Materials and Methods

We identified eight female patients (age ranged from 29 to 51 years and with a median age of 37) in two regional hospitals who suffered from post-myomectomy hemorrhage requiring UAE during the time period from 2004 to 2012. A retrospective review of the patients'' clinical data, uterine artery angiographic findings, embolization details, and clinical outcomes was conducted.

Results

The pelvic angiography findings were as follows: hypervascular staining without bleeding focus (n = 5); active contrast extravasation from the uterine artery (n = 2); and pseudoaneurysm in the uterus (n = 1). Gelatin sponge particle was used in bilateral uterine arteries of all eight patients, acting as an empirical or therapeutic embolization agent for the various angiographic findings. N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate was administered to the target bleeding uterine arteries in the two patients with active contrast extravasation. Technical and clinical success were achieved in all patients (100%) with bleeding cessation and no further related surgical intervention or embolization procedure was required for hemorrhage control. Uterine artery dissection occurred in one patient as a minor complication. Normal menstrual cycles were restored in all patients.

Conclusion

Uterine artery embolization is a safe, minimally invasive, and effective management option for controlling post-myomectomy hemorrhage without the need for hysterectomy.     

彩色多普勒血流成像在检测子宫动脉栓塞术前后卵巢血流变化中的应用

目的 应用彩色多普勒血流成像技术(CDFI)从血液动力学水平了解子宫动脉栓塞术(UAE)对卵巢血供的影响.资料与方法 32例妇科良性疾病患者子宫动脉栓塞术前及术后1周、术后1个月和术后3个月分别用彩色多普勒血流成像技术测量子宫及卵巢动脉的血流变化参数,包括收缩期血流速度峰值(PSV)、舒张期末血流速度(EDV)及阻力指数(RI).结果 32例患者手术成功率为100％,术后所有患者临床症状均得到改善;栓塞前后卵巢动脉PSV、EDV及RI比较,差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05);栓塞前后子宫动脉PSV、EDV及RI比较,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.01).结论 子宫动脉栓塞术治疗妇科良性疾病是一种安全、有效的治疗方法,彩色多普勒血流成像技术可作为妇科良性疾病手术前后的检测方法,用来评价子宫动脉栓塞术的临床疗效.     

Preoperative Uterine Artery Embolization (PUAE) Before Uterine Fibroid Myomectomy

Purpose To evaluate the potential of uterine artery embolization to minimize blood loss and facilitate easier removal of fibroids during subsequent myomectomy. Methods This retrospective study included 22 patients (median age 37 years), of whom at least 15 wished to preserve their fertility. They presented with at least one fibroid (mean diameter 85.6 mm) and had undergone preoperative uterine artery embolization (PUAE) with resorbable gelatin sponge. Results No complication or technical failure of embolization was identified. Myomectomies were performed during laparoscopy (12 cases) and laparotomy (9 cases). One hysterectomy was performed. The following were noted: easier dissection of fibroids (mean 5.6 per patient, range 1–30); mean intervention time 113 min (range 25–210 min); almost bloodless surgery, with a mean peroperative blood loss of 90 ml (range 0–806 ml); mean hemoglobin pretherapeutically 12.3 g/dl (range 5.9–15.2 g/dl) and post-therapeutically 10.3 g/dl (range 5.6–13.3 g/dl), with no blood transfusion needed. Patients were discharged on day 4 on average and the mean sick leave was 1 month. Conclusion Preoperative embolization is associated with minimal intraoperative blood loss. It does not increase the complication rate or impair operative dissection, and improves the chances of performing conservative surgery.     

子宫动脉栓塞术治疗子宫腺肌病62例临床分析

目的探讨子宫动脉栓塞术治疗子宫腺肌病的临床疗效。方法对62例根据临床症状及超声诊断为子宫腺肌病的患者,行子宫动脉栓塞术。应用Cordis 4F Cobra导管完成双侧子宫动脉插管。先将超液化碘油加平阳霉素HPYM)乳化后进行栓塞,再用明胶海绵栓塞子宫动脉主干。术后观察病人痛经程度,月经量及子宫体积变化。结果62例病人栓塞后56例(90.3%)术后2月痛经症状完全消失;4例治疗后症状明显缓解,术后第四月痛经消失。52例患者月经量较术前明显减少,全部病例子宫体积及病灶呈进行性缩小。结论介入法子宫动脉栓塞术治疗子宫腺肌病,创伤小,安全性好;临床疗效显著,能显著改善了病人生活质量。