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Semin intervent Radiol 2018; 35(01): 048-055
DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1636521
Review Article
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Updates on Uterine Artery Embolization

Maureen P. Kohi
1   Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California, San Francisco, California
,
James B. Spies
2   Department of Radiology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia
› Author Affiliations
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Publication History

Publication Date:
05 April 2018 (online)

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Abstract

Uterine fibroids (leiomyomas) are the most common benign neoplasm of the female pelvis and have a lifetime prevalence exceeding 80% among African American women and approaching 70% among Caucasian women. Approximately 50% of women with fibroids experience symptoms which may include menorrhagia that may result in anemia, bulk symptoms with bladder and bowel dysfunction and abdominal protrusion, dysmenorrhea, and infertility. Hysterectomy remains the most common treatment option for fibroids and concerns have been raised about the overuse of this procedure. Uterine artery embolization (UAE) is now a well-established uterine preserving and minimally invasive therapy for symptomatic fibroids. Since its introduction, strong evidence for safety and efficacy of UAE has been generated with low rates of complications. This review will discuss UAE for the management of symptomatic uterine fibroids with special focus on emerging technical approaches and novel periprocedural patient care.

Keywords

fibroid - uterus - embolization - menorrhagia - interventional radiology
 

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