Preliminary evaluation of dextran microspheres embolization for treating uterine fibroids

Objective To analyze the technical aspects of uterine artery embolization with dextran microspheres and to evaluate the effectiveness of this technique as the primary treatment of uterine fibroids in a series of 50 patients. Methods Thirty eight women(age range, 24 51 years; mean age, 38.2 years) with symptoms caused by uterine fibroids(menorrhagia, mass related symptoms, pelvic pain) were included in this study. We performed embolization with a single Headhunter catheter through the right femoral artery approach with injection of dextran microspheres(225 450μm), and an absorbable gelatin sponge. Follow up study included clinical and sonographic examinations at one month interval for half a year. Results Embolization was performed successfully in all the patients. Post procedural pain control was good in 46(92%) of the patients. In most patients, symptoms were improved within 3 months(96%). Clinical failure of the treatment occurred in only two patients(4%). Progressive reduction in tumor size was revealed during sonographic follow up, and the reduction rate at the sixth month after embolization reached 68% on average. Conclusions Uterine artery embolization with dextran microspheres is a mini invasive method for the treatment of uterine fibroids showing effective in most patients with progressive reduction in size of the masses.