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Title: Uterine Artery Embolization versus Myomectomy: Impact on Quality of Life-Results of the FUME (Fibroids of the Uterus: Myomectomy versus Embolization) Trial

Journal Article · · Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology
 [1];  [2]; ;  [3];  [1]
  1. St. George's Hospital, Department of Radiology (United Kingdom)
  2. University of Sussex, School of Psychology (United Kingdom)
  3. St. George's Hospital, Department of Gynaecology (United Kingdom)

Purpose: This study was designed to compare quality of life (QoL) outcomes after uterine artery embolization (UAE) or myomectomy. Methods: Women with symptomatic fibroids diagnosed by ultrasound who wished to preserve their uterus were randomized to myomectomy (n = 81) or UAE (n = 82). Endpoints at 1 year were QoL measured by a validated questionnaire, hospital stay, rates of complications, and need for reintervention. Results: UAE patients had shorter hospitalization (2 vs. 6 days, p < 0.001). By 1 year postintervention, significant and equal improvements in QoL scores had occurred in both groups (myomectomy n = 59; UAE n = 61). There had been two (2.9%) major complications among UAE versus 6 (8%) among myomectomy patients (not significant). By 2 years, among UAE patients (n = 57) there were eight (14.0%) reinterventions for inadequate symptom control compared with one (2.7%) among myomectomy patients (n = 37). Half of the women who required hysterectomy had concomitant adenomyosis missed by US. Conclusions: UAE and myomectomy both result in significant and equal improvements in QoL. UAE allows a shorter hospital stay and fewer major complications but with a higher rate of reintervention.

OSTI ID:
21608522
Journal Information:
Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology, Vol. 35, Issue 3; Other Information: DOI: 10.1007/s00270-011-0228-5; Copyright (c) 2012 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC and the Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiological Society of Europe (CIRSE); Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 0174-1551
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English