Selective uterine artery embolization for the treatment of adenomyosis

Objective:To assess the clinical effects of selective uterine artery embolization (UAE) in the treatment of adenomyosis.Methods:25 cases with symtomatic adenomyosis were treated by selective UAE.Fragments of silk and gelfoam were introduced through catheter to occlude the blood supply of adenomyosis.After treatment the symptoms and uterine volume of all patients were investigated.Results:All cases were followed up for 3 to 12 months (mean 8 months) after the treatment.All clinical symptoms of 25 patients were relieved.The menorrhagia returned to normal.Dysmenorrhea completely disappeared in 20 patients and significantly alleviated in 4 patients,but reocurred in 1 case.The size of uterus and tumors decreased significantly.The signal of blood flow within the uterus and lesion decreased after UAE.No severe complications were observed in all 25 cases.Conclusion:Selective uterine artery embolization is effective and safe in the treatment of adenomyosis.Further investigation would be required to assess its long-term effect.