Uterine Artery Embolisation of Fibroids is a treatment carried out by a Radiologist , which is minimal surgery for Fibroids. A Specialist Radiologist , uses a substance to block the blood supply to the fibroids , so that it shrinks. This is a procedure that has been available in the UK on the NHS & privately. Women have experienced substantial shrinkage of their fibroids & relief from symptoms such as Heavy Periods (Menorrhagia, AUB) & pain. There have also been pregnancies after embolisation. Initially it was trialled on older women who didn’t wish to conceive , however younger women worldwide are now using the procedure & achieving pregnancy and therefore avoiding Hysterectomy (womb removal).
Dr Woodruff Walker, the leading Fibroid Embolisation specialist in the UK, has informative videos & a website at http://www.fibroids.co.uk CLICK HERE
View the videos here:
Also Dr Walkers video about Fibroids & Fertility
Dr. Walker has carried out over 2,300 fibroid embolisations as part of the trial and his results and publications are presented including a synopsis of the World Experience of UFE and other related matters.
Over 84% of women reported improvement in Quality of Life post UFE (Uterine Fibroid Embolization)
Dr. Walker works in central London and Guildford and his office can be contacted by telephoning 07795 643019.
For more patient info , we recommend the UK Patient Led Support Group FemIsa http://www.femisa.org.uk for info on the treatment, discussion groups & more information on statistics, risks & benefits.
Access to surgical alternatives to hysterectomy is a controversial issue in the UK. We have received feedback from patients & NHS Trusts, that Doctors are failing to inform women of UFE , or Myomectomy (Fibroid Removal , leaving the womb intact) as an alternative to hysterectomy. Many Trust Doctors, particuarly GP’s in Primary care, are not following the recommendations of the NHS NICE (National Institute for Clinical Excellence) Evidence based Guidelines, which recommends UFE for women with fibroids , with or without Heavy Periods. This procedure substantially assists both issues. CLICK HERE for the Heavy Menstrual Bleeding Patient Guide
Many Doctors are instead, only offering Medical Treatments which are contraceptives, which offer temporary relief from symptoms while used, Endometrial Ablation (which is not as effective for fibroids over 3cm & is not suitable for women who wish to get pregnant or Hysterectomy (Total Womb Removal). None of these treatments ,are suitable if you are actively trying to get pregnant. We are disappointed as non compliance with the NHS Guideline, appears to have led to an increase in Hysterectomies (womb removal) for fibroids. If women are currently looking for a contraceptive device that temporarily helps with fibroid symptoms, then, the new treatment of contraception, can assist but Doctors should advise of all of the options available , including effective long term treatments, to give informed choice.
Author: Bridgette York Founder of the Fibroid Network – Former Lay Patient /Carer representative HMB Guideline Development Panel member (CG44) You can read & search the FULL HMB Guideline HERE
Fibroid Network https://www.fibroid.network
References:
Quality improvement guidelines for uterine artery embolisation for symptomatic leiomyomata. Hovsepian DM, Siskin GP, Bonn J, Cardella JF, Clark TW, Lampmann LE, Miller DL, Omary RA, Pelage JP, Rajan D, Schwartzberg MS, Towbin RB, Walker WJ, Sacks D; CIRCSE & SIR Standards of Practice Committees. J Vasc Interv Radiol 20(7Suppl):S193-9 Jul 2009
Uterine artery embolisation for symptomatic adenomyosis – mid term results. Bratby MJ, Walker WJ. Eur J Radiol. 70(1):128-32, Apr 2009. Epub 2008 Feb 15
Outcomes after unilateral uterine artery embolization: a retrospective review. Bratby MJ, Hussain FF, Walker WJ. Cardiovasc Intervent Radiol. 31(2):254-9 Mar-Apr 2008. Epub 2007 Nov 17
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Analysis of Fibroid Location in Women Achieving Pregnancy After Uterine Artery Embolisation. . Walker WJ, Bratby MJ. Cardiovascular interventional Radiology – August 2007
Pregnancy after uterine artery embolisation for leiomyomata: at series of 56 completed pregnancies. Walker WJ, McDowell SJ. American Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics 195(5):1266-71 November 2006
Long-term follow up of uterine artery embolisation – an effective alternative treatment of fibroids. Walker WJ, Barton-Smith P. British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology 113:464-468 April 2006