FAIRFAX, Va.-The Society of Interventional Radiology, a national organization of nearly 4,500 doctors, scientists and allied health professionals dedicated to improving health care through minimally invasive treatment interventions, applauds the recommendations of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists that uterine fibroid embolization "is a safe and effective option" for women. "This finding fully opens the door to women's choice. It will prompt gynecologists to discuss all treatment options for symptomatic uterine fibroids-including UFE-if they are not already doing so," said interventional radiologist John Kaufman, M.D., SIR president.

In its August practice bulletin, "Alternatives to Hysterectomy in the Management of Leiomyomas," ACOG listed UFE among Level A treatment options, meaning that the minimally invasive treatment is considered safe and effective based on long- and short-term outcomes data. Level A evidence is the highest grade possible. The ACOG practice bulletin is used by doctors to aid in making decisions about appropriate patient care. "This is especially significant news for the 200,000 women who have hysterectomies performed annually in the United States to treat symptomatic uterine fibroids. Many of these women can confidently choose UFE," noted Kaufman.

"Women seeking treatment for their fibroids should be aware of all of their treatment options. UFE may be one of those options, and the best way to determine this is to for the woman and her gynecologist to consult with an interventional radiologist," said Kaufman. "The procedure is widely available, and finding an interventional radiologist who performs UFE is easy. The online SIR physician directory specifically identifies interventional radiologists with expertise in this area," he added. Interventional radiologists often use imaging tests such as MRI to help determine whether a woman is a candidate for UFE. Sometimes additional important information about the pelvic organs is found that helps the woman choose her best treatment option.

Uterine fibroids are benign tumors that can cause prolonged, heavy menstrual bleeding that can be severe enough to cause anemia or require transfusion; disabling pelvic pain and pressure; urinary frequency; pain during intercourse; and miscarriage. Twenty to 40 percent of women age 35 and older have uterine fibroids of a significant size; African-American women are at a higher risk for fibroids (as many as 50 percent have fibroids of a significant size).

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