Uterine artery embolization to treat uterine fibroids

Except for choice of embolization agent, the technique of uterine artery embolization for the treatment of fibroids is similar to that performed as emergent therapy for hemorrhage. The unique and more difficult aspects of fibroid embolization relate to patient recruitment and periprocedural care. There are few procedures in interventional radiology where timely and thoughtful pre- and postprocedure care are as important to building a practice. This is because of the intense and often prolonged clinical consequences of fibroid embolization, the attitude of many gynecologists toward interventional radiology and interventions for fibroids and especially because of the patient demographic. Patients seeking fibroid embolization tend to be highly motivated, educated women in their 20s to 40s with Internet access. The interventional radiologist unable to provide adequate answers or time to this group of patients in particular will find that they are an unforgiving lot!