What is the place of uterine artery embolisation in the management of symptomatic uterine fibroids?
BACKGROUND
Uterine artery embolisation (UAE) is an alternative to surgical management for symptomatic uterine fibroids and is increasingly performed in Australia.


OBJECTIVE
To review the evidence for the efficacy, safety and acceptability of UAE and to evaluate the place of UAE in Australia.


METHODS
The study used literature review.


RESULTS
UAE compares favourably to hysterectomy and myomectomy in terms of short-term symptom relief, cost, patient satisfaction and complications. There is a paucity of evidence regarding fertility and pregnancy after UAE. A significant minority of women require re-intervention following UAE.


CONCLUSIONS
UAE should be considered as an alternative to surgical management of symptomatic uterine fibroids in carefully selected and informed patients.
School of Women's and Infants Health, King Edward Memorial Hospital, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia. mhickey@obsgyn.uwa.edu.au
Martha
M
Hickey
Ian
I
Hammond
D000328:Adult; D001315:Australia; D000075202:Contraindications; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007349:Insurance, Health, Reimbursement; D007889:Leiomyoma / Q000628:therapy*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009313:National Health Programs; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055357:Uterine Artery Embolization / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014594:Uterine Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*