Objective: To assess the clinical effects and side effects of uterine arterial embolization (UAE) on uterine myoma.
Methods: UAE was performed in 42 patients with uterine myoma. The 4 approximately 5 F cobra catheters were insered into the uterine arteries for treatment. Gelfoam particles mixed with antibiotics were used to embolize the arteries. All patients were followed upto 18 monthes post operation.
Results: Arteriography showed that uterine myoma was mainly supplied by uterine arteries and partly by ovarian arteries. All clinical symptoms of 42 patients were relieved. Menorrhagia was reduced 26.3% approximately 75.2%. The volume of uterus myoma decreased 77.7% and 83.0% 12 and 18 months after UAE, respectively and the volume of uterine decreased 54.9% and 62.7%.
Conclusions: UAE was an effective and satisfactory method for the treatment of uterine myoma. Further effects of it should be observed continuously and periodically.