| Abstract: | SummaryUterine myomata are very common Failed treatment frequently leads to major surgery Therefore, non-invasive techniques, such as uterine artery embolisation (UAE) are of great interest and were first reported by Ravina et a1 to treat symptomatic myomata initially scheduled for surgery The objectives of this 6 year study were to evaluate UAE as the only treatment of myomata.Between 1991 and 1997, 184 women with symptomatic myomata were prospectively enrolled in the study Bilateral, particular UAE was performed with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA, halon) under local anaesthesia and analgesia during a 24 h hospitalisation Women's ages ranged from 21 to 54 years (mean 41) Menorrhagia was present in 93% of cases, pain in 22%, enlarged uterus in 25% Myomata were interstitial (77%), subserous (16%) or submucous (7%) Multiple myomata were common (in 80%, ≥3 myomata) mean myomata diameter 58 mm 157 cases could be evaluated (19 were lost during follow-up and there were eight catheterisation failures) The mean duration of follow-up was 29 months Success with menorrhagia and uterine volume reduction, without subsequent surgery, was observed in 90% of cases Most of the incidents (10%) were benign and observed before 1996, including catheterisation failure and five definitive amenorrhea In seven patients, eight pregnancies were observed These data confirm our previous reports and other studies on the safety and efficacy of UAE as the only treatment of uterine myomata. |
