Transradial and Transfemoral Uterine Fibroid Embolization Comparative Study: Technical and Clinical Outcomes

Abstract Purpose To compare clinical and technical outcomes of transradial (TRA) uterine artery embolization (UAE) with those of the transfemoral (TFA) approach. Materials and Methods Consecutive patients who underwent UAE with TRA and TFA in an academic hospital between May 2014 and June 2018 were included in this study. The ability to perform the procedure as planned, complication rates, and reduction in uterine volume, fibroid enhancement, and symptomatic improvement were compared using descriptive statistics, Student t-test, and chi-square test. Results There were 91 patients in the TFA group and 91 patients in the TRA group, with 1 crossover to TFA due to vasospasm (1 of 91; 1%). The tallest patient in the TRA UAE group was 178 cm and 4 patients taller than 178 cm in the TFA UAE group. Larger particles (900–1,200 μm) were more often used in the TFA group than in the TRA group (P Conclusions Transradial UAE in women up to 178 cm tall and transfemoral UAE have similar technical and clinical outcomes, with low rates of access site complications.