Uterine fibroid embolization: a viable alternative to hysterectomy.

Benign uterine fibroids, or leiomyomas, are the most common tumors found in gynecologic practice. Symptomatic fibroids present with menorrhagia, pelvic pain, leukorrhea, pressure and bloating, increased abdominal girth, and severe dysmenorrhea. Traditional treatment has relied on surgery because long-term medical therapies have demonstrated only minimal response. Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) using particulate emboli to occlude the uterine arteries, thereby disrupting the blood supply to fibroids and leading to devascularization and infarction, has been reported to be effective in alleviating fibroid-related symptoms. UFE is a safe, effective, and durable nonsurgical alternative to hysterectomy.