Uterine artery embolisation for treating adenomyosis

Severe cramping pain (4 days after the procedure; treated successfully by analgesia) was reported in 1 patient in the case series of 18 patients.

Worsening of symptoms was reported in 82% (9 of 11) of patients in the case series of 27 patients at 3 years follow-up. Three patients opted for hormonal therapy to help with symptom relief and none chose hysterectomy.

Amenorrhoea was reported in 4% (2 of 54) of patients (aged 41 and 44 years) immediately after the procedure in the case series of 54 patients (no further details available).

Transient increased vaginal discharge was reported in 8% (3 of 40) of patients in a case series of 40 patients (timing unclear).

The specialist advisers noted that adverse events from uterine artery embolisation used for adenomyosis are unlikely to differ significantly from those occurring when the procedure is used for fibroids. They include post-embolisation syndrome and non-target embolisation.