Emergency Medicine: Open Access
Open Access

Abstract

Indications and Outcome of Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE) in Gynaecological Conditions: Up-to-Date and the Results of our Experience

Roxana-Cristina Drăgușin, Nicolae Cernea, Cristian Constantin, Dan Hertzog, Andrei Deaconu, Maria Florea, Lucian Zorila, Ciprian Patru, Razvan Capitanescu and Stefania Tudorache

Introduction: The purpose of the paper is to present the safety and outcomes of uterine artery embolization (UAE) performed in patients at high risk or with active haemorrhage. Methods: A review of the literature was performed regarding the outcome of the procedure considering the main indications and current recommendations. Also, the experience of our centre from September 2014 to September 2016 is presented. Results: We performed a thorough search of the published literature and realized a descriptive review. The current indications are uterine fibroids, cervical neoplasia, adenomyosis, ectopic pregnancies (uterine and abdominal locations) and arterio-venous malformations. In our University Hospital, a retrospective study showed that we used the method in controlling the bleeding due to uterine fibroids, uterine ectopic pregnancies, cervical cancers and surgical high-risk dysfunctional uterine haemorrhage. All procedures were technically successful. The results of the technique were beneficial in all cases, except one case of cervical pregnancy complicated with choriocarcinoma and another case with recurrent perimenopause dysfunctional uterine bleeding in a case with multiple severe comorbid illness. Conclusions: The availability of the procedure in settings with experienced staff in gynaecology and radiology is beneficial in selected cases.