Author:
Tsikouras Panagiotis,Bothou Anastasia,Anthoulaki Xanthoula,Chalkidou Anna,Michalopoulos Spyridon,George Nistikoulis,Tsirkas Ioannis,Gaitatzi Fotini,Gyroglou Selma,Babageorgaka Irene,Sachnova Natalia,Koutsogiannis Michael,Lazarou Apostolos,Chalil Bouratzan Arsou,Nalbanti Theopi,Peitsidis Panagiotis,Nikolettos Konstantinos,Dragoutsos George,Vogaitzaki Thedosia,Zervoudis Stefanos,Iatrakis George,Rath Werner,Nikolettos Nikolaos,Souftas Vasileios
Abstract
Uterine fibroids have remarkably heterogeneous clinical characteristics with unknown exact etiology. The treatment of fibroids should be individualized based on their size, location, growth rate, the symptoms that they cause, the desire to have children and the age of the woman. Embolization is currently the most advanced non-surgical technique. The majority of women report satisfactory post-treatment results like shorter hospitalization period and recovery time in comparison to hysterectomy and improvement or complete remission of clinical symptoms. Complications include amenorrhea (in the majority of cases: recurrence after three months) and infections that are generally treated with antibiotics. The results from most clinical studies and our published experience indicate that embolization improves pelvic symptoms related to uterine fibroids. Collaborative efforts between gynecologists and interventional radiologists are necessary in order to optimize the safety and efficacy of this procedure. In the future, embolization could be generally recommended as treatment option for women who desire future fertility/pregnancy.