Intermediate and long-term outcomes following uterine artery fibroid embolization

ObjectiveTo assess patients’ satisfaction and the intermediate and long-term patterns of symptom progression following uterine artery fibroid embolization (UAE).Study designIntermediate (2–6 years) and long-term (9–14 years) follow-up questionnaire survey to women who underwent UAE during the period 1996–2000, at a tertiary referral centre.ResultsThe mean (SD) age of women at the time of embolization was 43 (5.58) years. A total of 142/197 (72.1%) women had the embolization in view of heavy menstrual periods, while 87/197 (44%) indicated a desire to retain fertility. 160/197 (81.7%) women who completed Q1 reported an improvement in menstrual symptoms compared to 41/80 (51.2%) for Q2 [p < 0.01]. The majority indicated they would recommend the procedure to a friend (Q1: 165 (83.8%), Q2: 62/80 (77.5%)) [p = 0.75]. 23/80 (28.8%) required further surgical treatment following UAE, and within the latter group, only 7/23 (30.4%) were satisfied with the embolization. 22/80 (27.5%) tried for a pregnancy following the procedure, and of these 3/22 (13.6%) had a live birth. The mean (SD) age at the menopause for women who returned Q2 was 49.1 (4.91) years.ConclusionsThe majority of women were satisfied with the embolization and noted an improvement in menstrual symptoms. However, this improvement diminished over time following the embolization, and over a quarter of women required further surgical intervention. Findings from this study may provide useful information in counselling women undergoing UAE and help guide clinicians in their patient selection criteria when discussing the procedure.