Uterine artery embolization vs surgery: van der Kooij et al

Abstract

See related article, page 317 U terine artery embolization (UAE) was introduced in the mid-1990s as a new minimally-invasive treatment for symptomatic fibroids. Since that time, results from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have demonstrated that when assessed against traditional surgical alternatives like myomectomy and hysterectomy, UAE may provide short-term enefits, including reduced length of stay nd earlier resumption of daily activities; omplications and satisfaction are similar. et, use of UAE remains low in comparion to surgical management, perhaps due o a lack of long-term comparative data. new systematic review by van der Kooij t al addresses this specific question by valuating shortand long-term outomes for UAE and surgery. Journal Club members thought the reearchers chose an important topic. Beause uterine fibroids are so prevalent mong women—25% or more might be ffected with symptomatic growths—inormation guiding optimal management s extremely important. Data on the reltive risks and benefits of UAE compared o other accepted treatments is particuarly helpful in counseling patients who equire intervention. The authors’ strucured review included long-term signifiant outcomes relevant to patients and roviders choosing between treatments.