Uterine Artery Embolization vs Hysterectomy For Symptomatic Fibroids

MedicalResearch.com Interview with:

Annefleur de Bruijn MD VU Medical Centre Department of Gynecology Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Dr. Annefleur de Bruijn

Annefleur de Bruijn MD
VU Medical Centre
Department of Gynecology
Amsterdam, The Netherlands

MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?

Response: Since 1995 uterine artery embolization has been described in patients with symptomatic fibroids. Uterine artery embolization is a less invasive treatment option compared to hysterectomy. Studies including several randomized controlled trials established uterine artery embolization as a valuable treatment. Earlier these trials reported outcomes in terms of health related quality of life, clinical outcomes, efficacy and cost effectiveness after 1, 2 and 5 years of follow-up. In the randomized EMMY trial, we analyzed these results again, currently 10 years after treatment.

MedicalResearch.com: What are the main findings?

Response:

  • After 10 years, in 69% of patients treated with a technical successful uterine artery embolization, a secondary hysterectomy was avoided,
  • HRQOL 10 years after uterine artery embolization or hysterectomy remained comparably stable in both groups
  • Urinary and defecation scores showed a function decrease comparable stable in both groups and
  • Most patients are (very) satisfied with their treatment, with no differences between the two groups.

MedicalResearch.com: What should readers take away from your report?

Response: Uterine artery embolization is a well-documented valuable treatment alternative for surgery in woman with symptomatic uterine fibroids.

Take away message: eligible patients should be counseled on all options including uterine artery embolization.

MedicalResearch.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this study?

Response: It might be interesting to compare the outcomes of the EMMY trial results with a 10-year follow-up from a different randomized controlled trial. However these result do not (yet) exist though it is recommended.

MedicalResearch.com: Is there anything else you would like to add?

Response: Our study is important in providing clinicians with an unique insight for patient counseling in terms of clinical outcomes and various aspects of quality of life. It is also the only randomized controlled trial ever published with a 10-years follow-up.

MedicalResearch.com: Thank you for your contribution to the MedicalResearch.com community.

Citation:

Uterine artery embolization versus hysterectomy in the treatment of symptomatic uterine fibroids: 10-years’ outcomes from the randomized EMMY trial
de Bruijn, Annefleur M. et al.
American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology , Volume 0 , Issue 0 ,
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ajog.2016.06.051

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Last Updated on July 9, 2016 by Marie Benz MD FAAD

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