Uterine artery embolization for symptomatic uterine fibroids.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Uterine fibroids cause heavy and prolonged bleeding, pain, pressure symptoms and subfertility but are mostly benign. The traditional method of treatment has been surgery as long term medical therapies have not shown to be effective. Uterine artery embolization (UAE - complete occlusion of both the uterine arteries with particulate emboli) has been reported to be an effective and safe alternative in the treatment of menorrhagia and other fibroid-related symptoms in women not desiring future fertility, but thus far this evidence is based on case controlled studies and case reports. OBJECTIVES: To review the benefits and/or harms from randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of uterine a..