Uterine artery embolisation (uae) for symptomatic uterine fibroids

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Uterine Artery Embolisation is a modern treatment modality used in the treatment of symptomatic uterine fibroids. Though common in the developed world it is still not routinely done in Sri Lanka. We report four patients with symptomatic uterine fibroids who were treated with bilateral UAE. SETTING: North Colombo Teaching Hospital, Ragama. METHOD: Four patients with symptomatic leiomyomas were selected from Gynaecology out patient clinics. Sizes of the fibroids were assessed by ultrasound imaging. Bilateral UAE was performed via retrograde femoral artery catheterization of the uterine arteries under local anaesthesia using absorbable soft Gelatine (USP). Imaging of the myomas were performed three months after the procedure. Results: Size of the fibroids were reduced in three patients when compared with the pre- procedure imaging. No major complications were noted. The severity of menorrhagia was reduced in three Patients. One patient failed to respond to the therapy with regard to the reduction of size of the fibroid and improvement of symptom severity. CONCLUSIONS: UAE is a non-surgical alternative in the management of symptomatic fibroids, which could be carried out in the local setting.