Objective: To evaluate the curative effect of lauromacrogol foam sclerotherapy of uterine fibroids via transvaginal ultrasound-guided injection.
Methods: Thirty premenopausal women with a total of thirty-one uterine fibroids were recruited consecutively and underwent transvaginal 3D-Power Doppler Angiography (PDA) at 0, 1, 3, and 6 months. Written informed consent was obtained from all of the patients. The changes in the fibroid 3D volume and relationships between the fibroid location and blood supply were analyzed. The relief of clinical symptoms and improvement in health-related quality of life (HRQL) were evaluated using the uterine fibroid symptom and quality-of-life (UFS-QOL) questionnaire before and after treatment for 6 months; adverse events were also assessed.
Results: The mean baseline volumes ± SD were 61.2 ± 71.5 cm³ (range, 4.1 cm³ - 340.4 cm³) for the dominant fibroid. The mean values of percentage reduction in fibroid volume at 1, 3 and 6 months were 23.9% (range, 5.2% - 42.1%; 95%CI, 20.6% - 27.3%), 43.4% (range, 21.8% - 67.4%; 95%CI, 39.0% - 47.8%), and 60.0% (range, 31.8% - 83.2%; 95%CI, 55.2% - 64.9%), respectively, and the reduction was correlated with the location and blood supply. Additionally, the blood flow to the fibroids was markedly decreased. The clinical symptoms were greatly alleviated or even completely resolved, and the HRQL was notably improved (P < 0.001). Mild abdominal pain, paleness, vomiting, and cold sweat were most commonly reported adverse effects.
Conclusion: Ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy of uterine fibroids with foam lauromacrogol is a simple, safe and useful method with a wide application prospect.