OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence and risk factors for surgical intervention after uterine artery embolization for symptomatic uterine fibroids. STUDY DESIGN: Electronic medical records of all patients who underwent uterine artery embolization for symptomatic uterine leiomyomata were reviewed. Logistic regression was used to identify independent risk factors for any surgical intervention and for hysterectomy alone after uterine artery embolization. RESULTS: Uterine artery embolization was performed in 454 patients during the study period, with a median follow-up time (range) of 14 (0-128) months. Overall, 99 patients (22%) underwent any surgical intervention after uterine artery embolization in the operating room. Risk factors for any surgical intervention included younger age (P < .003), bleeding as an indication for uterine artery embolization (P < .01), presence of significant collateral ovarian vessel contribution to the uterus (P < .01), or use of 355-500 mum particles (P < .008). CONCLUSION: Patients undergoing uterine artery embolization have a 22% risk for requiring additional surgical intervention, but overall uterine artery embolization is an effective minimally invasive option.