Efficiency of Uterine Fibroid Embolization in Symptomatic Iraqi Patients

الملخص

Background: Uterine fibroids are benign tumors of the smooth muscle of the uterus. Uterine artery embolization (UAE), a minimally invasive procedure performed by an interventional radiologist, causes fibroids to shrink and improves symptoms. Objective: To study the effectiveness of UFE in helping symptomatic Iraqi women achieve symptomatic relief. Methods: Fifty patients with symptomatic fibroid(s) who visited Kahramana Medical Center of Interventional Radiology between June 2022 and June 2023 were included in a prospective study. The patients were prepared for UFE under local anesthesia. This involved the use of an LT brachial arterial approach. Both uterine arteries were cannulated, and embolization of the fibroids was achieved using particles. Results: Menorrhagia was the most common complaint (76%), followed by pressure feelings (8%). The fibroids were 3x3 cm (12 ml) to 15x12 cm (1035 ml) in size. All patients' symptoms, including pressure and bleeding, improved for six months following the operation in nearly all cases (p= 0.0004). The uterine artery was the only feeder in 98% of cases. Fibroid expulsion was observed in three patients. Fibroid size reduction, absence of internal vascularity, and rim calcification were indicators of radiological success in 92% of cases; the proportion of size decrease was roughly 65–100% of the fibroid's initial volume (p= 0.003). Conclusions: Endovascular embolization, as an alternative to surgery, is a highly successful and safe treatment for uterine fibroids, particularly for women who desire to preserve their uterus and refuse surgery.