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Uterine artery embolisation for fibroids

 
Guidance issued
 
IPG Number: IPG94

Summary

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has issued full guidance to the NHS in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland on Uterine artery embolisation for fibroids in October 2004.

NICE has reviewed this guidance and is reassessing the procedure. New guidance will be published as a result.  Until the new guidance is published the NHS should continue to follow the recommendations in the guidance below.

The Interventional Procedures Advisory Committee (IPAC) will consider this procedure review and NICE will issue an Interventional Procedures Consultation Document about its safety and efficacy for 4 weeks public consultation. IPAC will then review the consultation document in the light of comments received and produce a Final Interventional Procedures Document, which will be considered by NICE before guidance is issued to the NHS in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

If you wish to be updated to any developments with this procedure, you can express an interest here.

Description

This procedure is used to treat uterine fibroids, also known as uterine leiomyomas or uterine myomas. Uterine fibroids are benign tumours of the uterus. Symptoms caused by fibroids include abnormal bleeding, pelvic pressure and pain, and reproductive problems.  Fibroids are common and are the most frequent reason for a woman to have a hysterectomy.

Uterine artery embolisation (UAE) is an alternative to hysterectomy for fibroids, first reported in 1995.  The procedure is performed under conscious sedation, and both uterine arteries are blocked with particles injected via the femoral and uterine arteries. This causes the fibroids to shrink, but is believed to have no permanent effect on the rest of the uterus.  Patients are in hospital for 24-36 hours, and are advised to rest for 1-2 weeks. UAE is performed by a radiologist.

OPCS code:

Details

Arrangement:
Special
Topic area:
Gynaecology, pregnancy and birth
Surgical procedures
Specialty:
Obstetrics and gynaecology
Specialist advice has been sought from:

British Society of Interventional Radiology

Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists

Date notified to NICE:
01 April 2002
Provisional consultation date:
31 March 2003
Guidance issue date:
27 October 2004

Contact details:

Project manager (for general enquiries or comments)
(for general enquiries or comments)
Ben Doak
Contact Address:

Interventional Procedures Programme
National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence
MidCity Place
71 High Holborn
London
WC1V 6NA

Links: