Few Women Hear About Uterine Fibroid Embolization Treatment

Washington, D.C. (March 18, 2008)—A study presented today at
the Society of Interventional Radiology’s 33rd Annual Scientific
Meeting shows of 105 patients in the Atlanta metro area, only
18 percent of the women who saw a private practice
gynecologist were told about uterine fibroid embolization (UFE),
a minimally invasive treatment for uterine fibroids provided by
interventional radiologists. UFE is a safe, effective established
treatment that has been widely available for the past decade and
is covered by insurance.

The majority of women who sought treatment from their private
practice gynecologists for uterine fibroids were only offered
hysterectomy or myomectomy surgery, which is provided by
gynecologists. However, Kaiser Permanente, which standardizes
many medical protocols, has its gynecologists discuss all the
treatment options with their patients, including UFE.

source: Society of Interventional Radiology