Mid- and long-term quality-of-life assessment in patients undergoing uterine fibroid embolization

OBJECTIVE. Our objective was to assess the mid- and long-term outcomes concerning fibroid-specific and fibroid-associated quality of life in patients treated by uterine fibroid embolization. MATERIALS AND METHODS. A retrospective cohort study was performed, including consecutive patients with a minimum follow-up of 1 year. Analysis was performed by a questionnaire consisting of 49 questions about six topics: baseline characteristics, preinterventional status, diagnostic workup and treatment planning, periinterventional period and procedure-related quality of life, follow-up, and general satisfaction. RESULTS. The analysis was performed based on questionnaires from 53 (85.5%) of 62 patients. The mean follow-up was 3.0 +/- 1.0 (SD) years (range, 1.0-5.0 years). Uterine fibroid embolization led to a reduction of bleeding symptoms in 79.2% of patients (n = 48 before uterine fibroid embolization; n = 10 after uterine fibroid embolization), pain in 81.5% (n = 27; n = five, respectively), bulk-related symptoms in 78.6% (n = 14; n = three, respectively), urinary dysfunction in 60% (n = 10; n = four, respectively), sexual dysfunction in 71.4% (n = seven; n = two, respectively), fatigue in 62.5% (n = 24; n = nine, respectively), limitations in social life in 88.2% (n = 17; n = two, respectively), and a depressed mood in 89.5% (n = 19; n = two, respectively). The median impairment score for bleeding and pain decreased significantly from 6 to 0 and from 4 to 0, respectively (both p < 0.001). The general quality-of-life index increased significantly from 6 to 9 (p < 0.001). Forty-two (79.2%) patients judged the result as very satisfactory and would highly recommend uterine fibroid embolization to other patients. CONCLUSION. Uterine fibroid embolization leads to an impressive mid- and long-term improvement of all investigated physical and psychological fibroid-related and fibroid-associated symptoms and significantly improves women's health-related quality of life.