In Reply to: Case 997_10 -- Uterine artery embolization for the treatment of a symptomatic uterine fibroid posted by Editor on September 16, 1997 at 10:53:55:
It is quite amazing to me what a great impact this procedure has had. We are applying an existing technique to a relatively new indication. This is the beauty of our field. I will be giving grand rounds to our OB/GYN docs in about a month. The cases and information about the procedure that surfaced on the net are going to be of great help. It will be tricky to offer this procedure to our surgical colleagues in a non-threatening way. There is a large population of symptomatic women that will not be treated surgically. Our option should offer the surgeons an alternative they did-not have before. Another way to approach this would be to educate the primary care physicians and get most of the referrals from them. This will not make the OB/GYN docs happy but the patients will be greatful.
There are a few questions that pop to mind:
1. What is the effect of the procedure on fertility?
2. Could other embolic agents be used?
3. What is the likelihood of histerectomy as a result of this procedure?
4. What should we quote as the average long term symptomatic relief for this patients?
5. Is there a role for reembolization and how effective would that be?