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Vol 35, (5) 273 - 368

Uterine artery embolisation - a treatment alternative for women with fibroids

Stuart M Lyon MBBS, FRANZCR, is Head, Vascular and Interventional Radiology, Alfred Hospital Melbourne, Victoria.

Karda Cavanagh BMed(Hons), FRACGP, GAICD, is a general practitioner, Monash Caulfield Health Service, Victoria.

BACKGROUND Fibroids are a common benign tumour of the female reproductive tract. Uterine artery embolisation is a minimally invasive catheter based technique that compares favourably with surgical treatments.

OBJECTIVE Uterine artery embolisation is an intervention that is especially suited to women who wish to preserve their uterus. This article briefly outlines the medical and surgical treatment options for fibroids with an in depth focus on fibroid embolisation.

DISCUSSION Australian interventional radiologists have been performing uterine artery embolisation for fibroid disease successfully for a number of years. This procedure - like any intervention - is not without complication, but it does enable women a valid alternative treatment pathway for fibroids. General practitioners can discuss the procedure with their local interventional radiologist and can foster a broader understanding of the process with their female patients when considering treatment options.

Publication Date: 24 April 2006
Authorised By: Australian family physician