Uterine Artery Embolisation for Treatment of Fibroids: Experience in Chinese Women

CYV Chiu, WK Wong, HLJ Mak, CSS Chan, CHP Kwok, CHS Chan, MK Chan
Correspondence: Dr Vivian Chiu, kingjoin@hongkong.com

ABSTRACT
Twelve women with symptomatic fibroids were treated with transcatheter uterine artery embolisation with the use of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) particles. For the nine women who were due for follow-up, reduction in uterine volume and dominant fibroid size were observed on magnetic resonance imaging. All the nine women had normal luteinising hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) levels before the procedure and during the follow-up. Seven of the nine women reported noticeable symptomatic improvement during the follow-up. Pain experienced was of variable level, but well controlled. Adequate analgesia is essential for the procedure. Longer follow-up and prospective fertility studies are required to evaluate the long-term effects before this procedure could be safely extended to younger age groups.

Keywords: Leiomyoma, magnetic resonance imaging, therapeutic embolisation, uterine arteries, uterus
Singapore Med J 2001; 42(4): 148-154