Table 5: Classification of main complications related to UAE procedure.
Timing | |||
UAE Compli-cations | Immediate | Early | Late |
Puncturing of femoral artery: Hematoma, thrombosis, pseudoaneurysm, rarely failure to cannulate the artery | Vaginal discharge: resolves spontaneously, but requires treatment if foul smelling and purulent, suggesting infection. | Fibroid expulsion (10%): Expectant management, but if the fibroid is very large surgical intervention may be required. | |
Contrast reaction: Allergic reactions | Changes in sexual function | ||
Non-target embolization | Complicated Post Embolic Syndrome | Endometritis (0.5%): usually responds well to antibiotics. | |
DVT and pulmonary embolism (< 1%) | Chronic vaginal discharge | ||
UTI (very rare) | Amenorrhea | ||
Non-target embolization |
DVT: Deep Venous Thrombosis; UAE: Uterine Artery Embolization; UTI: Urinary Tract Infection.