Objective: To give a systematic comment on uterine artery embolization for the treatment of uterine fibroids.
Design: Expert comment.
Setting: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 1st Faculty of Medicine and General Faculty Hospital, Charles University, Prague.
Methods: The analysis of results of the group of patients treated with uterine fibroid embolization in our facility in the years 2001-2005.
Results: Opinions of the multidisciplinary team, specialized in complex therapy of uterine fibroids were summarized. On the base of experience with more than 110 patients treated with uterine fibroid embolization we worked up practical comments on indications, cover and implementation of the procedure, and on suggested studies pre and post-procedurally with regard to expected effect and possible complications.
Conclusion: Uterine artery embolization is a minimally invasive procedure with large symptomatic potential in therapy of post-fertile females with leiomyomas. The indication of such therapy for pregnancy planning women is controversial and needs thorough individual consideration about benefits and risks of embolization and its comparison with standard therapy (myomectomy). Organizing of the whole procedure (preoperative studies, equipment and experience of interventional radiologist, pain management, handling with complications) is challenging and should be performed by specialized teams and centers.