Small bowel volvulus after uterine artery embolization requiring bowel resection: a case report.

BACKGROUND

Previously described surgical complications following uterine artery embolization for leiomyomata include sequelae of uterine aberrant embolization (buttock and labial necrosis, vesicouterine fistula), prolapsed cervical myoma, uterine necrosis, ischemic uterine rupture and sepsis.

METHODS

A 43-year-old woman presented with severe abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting 7 days after bilateral uterine artery embolization for symptomatic leiomyomata. Mechanical obstruction of the distal ileum was diagnosed and did not respond to conservative measures. At laparotomy, volvulus of the distal ileum, which adhered to omental and uterine adhesions, required resection and end-to-end anastomosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Volvulus may occur following uterine artery embolization for leiomyomata.