VOLUME 14 , ISSUE 6 ( November-December, 2022 ) > List of Articles
Sumedha S Pathade
Keywords : Hysterectomy, Leiomyoma, Magnetic resonance imaging, Uterine artery embolization
Citation Information : Pathade SS. The Impact of Uterine Artery Embolization Prior to Hysterectomy. J South Asian Feder Obs Gynae 2022; 14 (6):747-749.
DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10006-2136
License: CC BY-NC 4.0
Published Online: 31-01-2023
Copyright Statement: Copyright © 2022; The Author(s).
Aim: Hysterectomy's role and efficacy for symptomatic uterine fibroids are well-established and undisputed. Before performing a hysterectomy in a large uterus, lowering uterine vascularity can aid in optimizing the surgery, reducing operating time, and, most importantly, minimizing the blood loss during the procedure. Background: Uterine artery embolization (UAE) was introduced for the management of symptomatic uterine fibroids (leiomyomas) in 1995. Uterine artery embolization treatment of fibroids is performed worldwide. Case description: A 40-year-old female with complaints of dysmenorrhea and heavy menstrual bleeding with a palpable 28-week mass arising from the pelvis with severe anemia was treated by performing preoperatively UAE followed by abdominal hysterectomy to minimize the blood loss. Conclusion: This case report encourages offering UAE before abdominal hysterectomy to reduce intraoperative blood loss, thereby enhancing rapid postoperative recovery for large uteri. Clinical significance: Performing UAE before hysterectomy reduces perfusion of myometrium as well as the fibroid, thereby minimizing the blood loss and need for blood transfusions, thus encouraging its use in the management of large fibroids.