Uterine embolization for management of symptomatic fibroids: quality-of-life impact

OBJECTIVE: To determine the impact on the quality of life in patients with symptomatic uterine fibroids submitted to uterine artery embolization. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty patients with symptomatic fibroids submitted to embolization have answered a quality-of-life questionnaire before and 12 weeks after the procedure. RESULTS: Mean score for symptoms severity before the procedure was 62.07 ± 6.34 and decreased with statistical significance to 20.42 ± 3.81 after the procedure. Similarly, scores for quality of life have improved from 40.26 ± 2.98 before the procedure to 85.06 ± 2.57 after the procedure, which again was statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Uterine embolization results in evident symptoms relief and significant improvement in the quality of life of patients with symptomatic fibroids.OBJETIVO: Verificar a mudança na qualidade de vida de pacientes portadoras de miomatose uterina sintomática submetidas a tratamento por embolização. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Quarenta mulheres portadoras de miomatose uterina sintomática que foram tratadas com a técnica de embolização responderam a um questionário de qualidade de vida antes e 12 semanas após o procedimento. RESULTADOS: Verificou-se que o escore médio relacionado com a gravidade dos sintomas nas 40 pacientes antes da embolização foi de 62,07 ± 6,34 e se modificou, com significância estatística após o tratamento, quando se verificou escore médio de 20,42 ± 3,81. Da mesma forma, comprovou-se a melhora na qualidade de vida pela modificação dos escores antes e depois do tratamento, o que também apresentou significância estatística, passando de 40,26 ± 2,98 para 85,06 ± 2,57. CONCLUSÃO: A embolização uterina provoca alívio evidente dos sintomas relacionados com a miomatose e proporciona melhora substancial da qualidade de vida das pacientes.28929

TIPS for controlling clinical complications in portal hypertension

Orientador: Luiz Sergio LeonardiDissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Ciencias MedicasResumo: Objetivo: O propósito deste estudo foi avaliar a eficácia do procedimento denominado TIPS (Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt) em pacientes com hepatopatia crônica e hipertensão portal, verificar a incidência de complicações e a existência de fatores prognósticos da evolução clínica. Casuística e Método: Foram revistos todos os procedimentos realizados numa única Instituição, por um único operador, entre 1996 e 2004. Quarenta e quatro pacientes, sendo 30 do sexo masculino e 14 do feminino e com idade média de 52 anos, todos de raça branca, foram submetidos a TIPS. O sintoma principal foi hemorragia digestiva alta em 28, ascite refratária em 11 e síndrome hepatorrenal em 5. Foram verificados os níveis séricos de bilirrubina, albumina, atividade de protrombina e creatinina. Observou-se que 9 eram Child-Pugh A, 24 eram Child-Pugh B e 11 eram Child-Pugh C. Resultados: O TIPS foi completado com sucesso em todos os pacientes (100%), verificando-se uma queda do gradiente pressórico P/S médio de 49,69% que foi estatisticamente significativa. Comprovou-se a melhora clínica em 35 pacientes (79,55%), sendo 24/28 pacientes com HDA, 8/11 pacientes com ascite refratária e 3/5 com SHR. A mortalidade geral PO foi de 13,64%, sendo mais incidente nos pacientes caracterizados como Child-Pugh C (45,45%). Os fatores mais relevantes de mau prognóstico foram o aumento da bilirrubina e do nível de creatinina e a diminuição na atividade de protrombina. Verificou-se que 75% dos pacientes sobreviveram durante o período de observação de um ano. A sobrevida média de pacientes Child-Pugh A foi de 11,5 meses, nos Child-Pugh B foi 10,97 meses e nos Child-Pudh C foi apenas 5,90 meses, evidenciando uma diferença estatisticamente significativa na sobrevida dos pacientes de acordo com a classificação de Child-Pugh. Foram observadas complicações relacionadas com o procedimento em 14 casos (31,80%). Comprovou-se a oclusão do TIPS em 5 pacientes. Conclusão: O TIPS foi eficiente para diminuir a pressão portal e resolver as complicações clínicas em pacientes com hepatopatia crônica e hipertensão portal. As complicações e a morbi-mortalidade relacionadas com o procedimento podem ser consideradas aceitáveis. A mortalidade foi diretamente influenciada por alguns fatores clínicos, tais como classe Child-Pugh C e elevação dos níveis séricos de bilirrubina e creatininaAbstract: Purpose: the purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of TIPS (Transjugular Intra-hepatic Portosystemic Shunt) in patients with chronic liver disease and portal hypertension, to verify the safety of the procedure and the complication rates directly related to it. The existence of prognostic factors of postoperative outcome was also verified. Casuistry and Method: all the cases of patients submitted to TIPS in a single Institution by a single operator during an 8-year period of time were reviewed. 44 patients, being 30 males and 14 females, with an average age of 52, all of them white, were submitted to TIPS. All the patients had chronic liver disease and portal hypertension having as main symptom recurrence of gastro-esophagic bleeding or congestive gastropathy in 28, refractory ascite in 11 and hepatorenal syndrome in 5. The serum levels of bilirubin, albumin, prothrombin time and creatinine were verified. Patients were stratified according to the Child-Pugh classification resulting that 9 were Child-Pugh A, 24 were Child-Pugh B and 11 were Child-Pugh C. Results: TIPS was successfully performed in all the patients (100%), verifying a fall in the mean porto systemic gradient pressure of about 49,69% (from 18,98 mmHg to 9,55 mmHg) that was statistically significant. Additionally, it was observed clinical improvement in 35 patients (79,55%), being 24 out of 28 patients with bleeding, 8 out of 11 patients with refractory ascite and 3 out of 5 with hepatorenal syndrome. The postoperative general mortality was 13,64% being the highest incidence in patients classified as Child-Pugh C (45,45%). The analysis of the clinical variables that characterized the patients showed that the most relevant factors associated to a poor outcome were high serum levels of bilirubin and creatinin and prolonged prothrombin time. Seventy five percent of patients survived during the first year of observation. The mean survival time was 11,5 months for patients Child-Pugh A, 10,97 months for patients Child-Pugh B and only 5,90 months for patients Child-Pugh C, evidencing a significant statistical difference in patients survival related to the Child-Pugh status. Complications directly related to the procedure were observed in 14 cases (31,80%). Additionally it was seen the occlusion of TIPS in 5 patients. Conclusion: TIPS is efficient to reduce portal pressure and to solve clinical complications in patients with chronic liver disease and portal hypertension. Complications and morbidity and mortality related to the procedure can be considered acceptable. Mortality was directly influenced by some clinical factors such as Child-Pugh class C, high bilirubin and creatinine levels which means, that a good selection should be done when TIPS is indicated. TIPS is a valuable tool to preserve patients who are in the waiting list for a liver transplantationMestradoCirurgiaMestre em Cirurgi

Uterine Fibroid Embolization in time of Covid-19

The coronavirus pandemic has caused major changes in society around the world, especially in healthcare systems. Patients with various medical ailments and conditions who were scheduled to undergo elective treatments before the pandemic arrived, wonder now if they still should follow through with it

A mobile interventional radiology unit: innovation and social responsibility Unidade de radiologia intervencionista móvel: inovação e responsabilidade social

aBStract Objective: To present the preliminary results of a feasibility study performed to determine the value of a mobile interventional radiology unit used to promote a uterine embolization program for low-income patients. Methods: Forty patients with symptomatic fibroids were treated with uterine embolization. Procedures were performed in four public hospitals in the metropolitan area of Sao Paulo. This study was approved by the institutional research ethics committee and all patients signed an informed consent form. A mobile interventional radiology unit, named ANGIOMOVEL, was conceived and implemented utilizing a small truck to transport one mobile C arm, one radiological table, protection aprons and a small trolley containing specific supplies for the procedures. The ANGIOMOVEL team consisted of two interventional radiologists, one nurse, one driver and one assistant. The unit visited one hospital per week during a three-month period. Patient inclusion was contingent upon several factors, such as evaluation by a trained gynecologist, completion of a pelvic MRI, routine serological laboratory tests and completion of a quality of life questionnaire (QOL). Outcomes, MRI and QOL were evaluated. Data obtained after 12 weeks were collected and analyzed. results: Technical success was achieved in 100% of cases, with a mean procedure time of 43 minutes and a mean fluoroscopic time of 24 minutes. The mean hospital stay was 1.07 day and the mean time for recovery and return to normal activities was 10 days. After 12 weeks, 36 (90%) of patients noticed improvement of their symptoms and 4 (10%) did not notice any improvement. Thirty-eight patients (95%) were satisfied or very satisfied and 39 (97.5%) said they would recommend the procedure. Pre-and post-procedure magnetic resonance imaging analysis showed that complete fibroid ischemia was achieved in 92.5% of cases with a mean uterine volume reduction of 38% and a mean fibroid volume reduction of 52%. Health-related quality of life scores showed improvement, increasing from 39.30 before the treatment to 79.62 points after therapy. conclusions: The initial results indicate that using a Mobile Interventional Radiology Unit is feasible, efficient and safe to develop a successful uterine fibroid embolization program providing care to the underserved patient community. Keywords: Myoma/radiotherapy; Radiology, interventional; Mobile health units; Mobile health units/supply & distribution; Uterine artery embolization; Uterine artery embolization/utilization; Uterine artery embolization/economics; Social responsibility; Quality of life; Hospitals, public; Women's health services; Women's health services/ supply & distribution; Women reSUMO Objetivo: Apresentar os resultados preliminares de um estudo de viabilidade conduzido para determinar o valor de uma unidade de radiologia intervencionista móvel com o objetivo de promover um programa de embolização uterina em mulheres de baixa renda. Métodos: Quarenta pacientes portadoras de miomatose sintomática foram tratadas com embolização uterina. Os procedimentos foram realizados em quatro hospitais públicos localizados na área metropolitana de São Paulo. O estudo foi aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa da Instituição e todos os pacientes assinaram um termo de consentimento informado. Uma unidade de radiologia intervencionista móvel denominada ANGIOMÓVEL foi concebida e implementada utilizando um caminhão baú para transportar um arco cirúrgico, uma mesa radiológica, aventais de chumbo e um pequeno carro contendo os insumos específicos para os procedimentos. A equipe do ANGIOMÓVEL consistiu de dois radiologistas intervencionistas, uma enfermeira, um motorista e um assistente. A unidade visitou um hospital por semana durante três meses. A inclusão de pacientes dependeu de vários fatores como avaliação por um ginecologista treinado, realização de u

A mobile interventional radiology unit: innovation and social responsibility

Objective: To present the preliminary results of a feasibility study performed to determine the value of a mobile interventional radiology unit used to promote a uterine embolization program for low-income patients. Methods: Forty patients with symptomatic fibroids were treated with uterine embolization. Procedures were performed in four public hospitals in the metropolitan area of Sao Paulo. This study was approved by the institutional research ethics committee and all patients signed an informed consent form. A mobile interventional radiology unit, named ANGIOMOVEL, was conceived and implemented utilizing a small truck to transport one mobile C arm, one radiological table, protection aprons and a small trolley containing specific supplies for the procedures. The ANGIOMOVEL team consisted of two interventional radiologists, one nurse, one driver and one assistant. The unit visited one hospital per week during a three-month period. Patient inclusion was contingent upon several factors, such as evaluation by a trained gynecologist, completion of a pelvic MRI, routine serological laboratory tests and completion of a quality of life questionnaire (QOL). Outcomes, MRI and QOL were evaluated. Data obtained after 12 weeks were collected and analyzed. Results: Technical success was achieved in 100% of cases, with a mean procedure time of 43 minutes and a mean fluoroscopic time of 24 minutes. The mean hospital stay was 1.07 day and the mean time for recovery and return to normal activities was 10 days. After 12 weeks, 36 (90%) of patients noticed improvement of their symptoms and 4 (10%) did not notice any improvement. Thirty-eight patients (95%) were satisfied or very satisfied and 39 (97.5%) said they would recommend the procedure. Pre- and post-procedure magnetic resonance imaging analysis showed that complete fibroid ischemia was achieved in 92.5% of cases with a mean uterine volume reduction of 38% and a mean fibroid volume reduction of 52%. Health-related quality of life scores showed improvement, increasing from 39.30 before the treatment to 79.62 points after therapy. Conclusions: The initial results indicate that using a Mobile Interventional Radiology Unit is feasible, efficient and safe to develop a successful uterine fibroid embolization program providing care to the underserved patient community

Uterine artery embolization for the treatment of symptomatic myomas in Brazilian women

CONTEXT: Uterine myomas are benign tumors that mostly occur in women of reproductive age at a frequency ranging from 20 to 25%. The symptoms are increased menstrual flow, pain and compressive signs. New treatments have been proposed and uterine artery embolization is one of them. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of treatment by embolization of the uterine artery, in women with symptomatic myomas. Uterine and dominant myoma volumes and the major symptoms were evaluated before treatment and 12 weeks later. TYPE OF STUDY: Open clinical trial. SETTING: A tertiary-care women's hospital. PARTICIPANTS: The study was conducted on 32 women with symptomatic single or multiple myomas of the uterine body, seen at the outpatient unit from May 2000 to September 2001. MAIN MEASUREMENTS: The patients were submitted to gynecological examination and abdominal and endovaginal pelvic ultrasonography, and the examinations were repeated 12 weeks after the first procedure. Uterine artery embolization using PVA (polyvinyl alcohol) particles of 355-700 µ was performed by catheterization of the right femoral artery in 30 women and by bilateral catheterization in two. RESULTS: Before embolization, the mean uterine volume of the 32 women was 455 cm³ and the mean volume of the dominant myoma was 150 cm³. Twelve weeks after embolization, the mean uterine volume was 256 cm³ and the mean volume of the dominant myoma was 91 cm³, with p < 0.01 in both cases. Twelve weeks after the treatment, all the women answered a questionnaire, which showed that 71% had improvement in menstrual regularity, 90% decreased menstrual volume and 81% shortened menstrual duration. The most frequent immediate post-procedure symptoms, established as complications, were pain (100%) and fatigue (34%). One woman had myoma degeneration and was submitted to myomectomy. CONCLUSION: The significant reduction in uterine and dominant myoma volume confirms the validity of the treatment of symptomatic myomas by the technique of uterine artery embolization in Brazilian women. There was significant reduction in menstrual flow and duration, as well as better cycle regularity in the women studied. The few adverse effects observed in the sample studied mainly involved pain immediately after embolization