• Reduction of menstrual bleeding six months after treatment measured by PBAC
  

• Patient assessment of symptom reduction including menorrhagia and bulk symptoms
  
• postoperative pain
  
• recovering time
  
• complications
  
• failures
  
• recurrence
  
• secondary interventions
  
• Reduction in fibroids and uterus size measured by ultrasonography and MRI
  

Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE)has become an alternative to hysterectomy for women with symptoms of uterine fibroids.Follow up studies of this new method have reported relief of menstrual bleeding by 85-90 % of the patients six to twelve months after treatment.Other studies have suggested laparoscopic bilateral occlusion of uterine arteries as an equal effective alternative, but to our knowledge there is no randomized studies published.

Patients recruitment : Women with symptoms of uterine fibroids referred to the clinic,who express a desire to avoid hysterectomy.

Study hypothesis: Laparoscopic occlusion of uterine vessels and UFE have equal effect on bleeding symptoms.

Gynecological examination, ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are performed preoperatively and after 1,3 and 6 months. Clinical follow up is planned after 1,3,6,12,24,36 and 60 months.A validated bleeding chard, Pictorial Blood Assessment Chart(PBAC)is filled in by the participants during the last menstruation period before treatment and before each control. A standardized questionnaire to assess the bleeding amount,pressure symptoms, pain, adverse events, other complains and patients satisfaction is also used.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Menorrhagia and/or bulk symptoms associated with uterine fibroids

Exclusion Criteria:

• Malignancy
• Current or planned pregnancy
• Small submucous fibroids suitable for hysteroscopic resection
• Postmenopausal women
• Suspected or known adenomyosis
• Uterus size exceeding the umbilical level
• Contraindications against laparoscopic surgery