Uterine fibroid embolization -: a new therapeutic option for symptomatic leiomyomata of the uterus

Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) is a new minimal-invasive therapy for the treatment of symptomatic leiomyomata of the uterus and a uterine-sparing alternative to surgical procedures. Short-term and mid-term results indicate a high clinical success rate with improvement of fibroid-related bleeding symptoms in 80-100% of cases, improvement of bulk symptoms in 60-100% of cases and reduction in fibroid volume at an average of about 36-78% combined with a low rate of complications and side effects. This review discusses indications and contraindications, technique and pathophysiology, choice of material, results and complications of UFE on the basis of the current literature and our own results.