Authors' objectives:

This review aims to assess the available evidence on the effectiveness of uterine artery embolization for uterine fibroids.

Authors' recommendations: With regard to uterine artery embolization (UAE) for uterine fibroids, the ICSI Technology Assessment Committee finds: UAE is generally safe in appropriately selected patients. Patients must be aware of the potential for premature menopause following UAE. Hysterectomy was performed in 1.6% to 4.5% of patients following UAE (although not always attributable to failure of UAE). The goal of UAE is amelioration of symptoms. In case series completed to date, 85% to 96% of UAE patients interviewed reported a reduction in bleeding at up to 12 months following UAE and 61% to 93% have reported a reduction in bulk-related symptoms. (Conclusion Grade III). A reduction in fibroid size of 17% to 58% has been reported. Since the fibroids are still present, pain and pressure symptoms may persist. Uterine volume decreased by 13% to 52% at up to 1 year following UAE. There are limited long-term follow-up data. A patient registry has been established. There are insufficient data on the safety of pregnancy following UAE; based on current evidence the procedure should be performed only for women not desiring future pregnancy.

Authors' methods: Review

Project Status: Completed

URL for project: http://www.icsi.org/index.asp

Year Published: 2003

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: United States

Organisation Name: Institute for Clinical Systems Improvement

Contact Address: 8009 34th Avenue South, Suite 1200, Bloomington, MN, USA. Tel: +1 952 814 7060; Fax: +1 952 858 9675

Contact Name: icsi.info@icsi.org

Contact Email: icsi.info@icsi.org

Copyright: Institute for Clinical Systems Improvement (ICSI)