Uterine artery embolization versus surgery for symptomatic uterine fibroids: a randomized controlled trial and a meta-analysis of the literature

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of our study was to compare the efficacy and safety of uterine artery embolization (UAE) for symptomatic uterine fibroids with surgery.

Methods: Both a randomized, controlled trial and meta-analysis of existing studies were performed.

Results: Patients were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to undergo either UAE or surgery with 63 patients undergoing UAE and 64 undergoing surgery. A meta-analysis of existing studies was also performed.There were significant improvements in UAE groups in most components of quality of life assessment at 6 months. Besides, the UAE group had a shorter hospital stay (P < 0.01) and a shorter recovery time (P < 0.01) compared with the surgical group. During the follow-up, there were no difference in complications incidence (58 vs. 65%, P > 0.05), but the UAE group had less major complications (0 vs. 6%, P < 0.05). Meta-analysis of existing studies including those from the current study, further suggested that UAE group had a shorter hospital stay, a shorter recovery time and less major complications than the surgical group.

Conclusions: Compared with surgery, UAE has a shorter hospital stay, a shorter recovery time, and less major complications. More studies in the future need to done to evaluate its long-term effects and impact on fertility.