Tyler Michael Coupal BMedSc, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Sriharsha Athreya FRCR, MBBS, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

To evaluate the initial experience of patients undergoing outpatient uterine artery embolization for fibroids.

This retrospective study was approved by the Research Ethics Board. The list of all patients who underwent UAE for symptomatic fibroids from January 2012 to February 2013 was obtained from the radiology information system. A total of 12 patients were provided with questionnaires. Patients evaluated pain using a visual analogue scale (VAS) from 0-10 during UAE, throughout recovery, and during the night of discharge. During the two week follow-up appointment, patient’s recommendations and preferences regarding outpatient UAE procedures were qualitatively assessed.

UAE was performed on 12 patients (age range, 28-53 years; mean age, 43.3 years) with 100% technical success and no immediate complications. All 12 patients completed the study questionnaires. The mean pain score was 3.5 during embolization, 6.9 during recovery, and 6.7 throughout the night of discharge. No patients required overnight admission. At the 2 week follow-up appointment, 100% of patients preferred UAE to surgical intervention and 91.7% of patients preferred outpatient over inpatient UAE. 50% of patients cited no areas needing improvement. Recommendations for improvement included pain control (33.3%), GI symptom control (16.7%), greater post-discharge counseling (8.3%), and use of other medical aids (8.3%).

With increased vigilance surrounding pain control, GI symptom control, and patient education, outpatient UAE can be safely performed. Given the positive patient response and dramatic reduction in healthcare costs, widespread implementation could be studied with larger study cohorts.

Initial findings demonstrate outpatient UAE as a viable alternative to inpatient protocols. Given dramatic reductions in healthcare costs, it is recommended in the treatment of symptomatic fibroids.

Coupal, T, Athreya, S, Outpatient Uterine Artery Embolization for Fibroids—An Initial Experience.  Radiological Society of North America 2013 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, December 1 - December 6, 2013 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2013/13019049.html