Current evidence on uterine artery embolisation (UAE) for fibroids shows that the procedure is efficacious for symptom relief in the short and medium term for a substantial proportion of patients. There are no major safety concerns. Therefore, this procedure may be used provided that normal arrangements are in place for clinical governance and audit.
During the consent process patients should be informed, in particular, that symptom relief may not be achieved in some women, that symptoms may return and that further procedures may therefore be required. Patients contemplating pregnancy should be informed that the effects of the procedure on fertility and on pregnancy are uncertain.
Patient selection should be carried out by a multidisciplinary team, including a gynaecologist and an interventional radiologist.
NICE encourages further research into the effects of UAE compared with other procedures to treat fibroids, particularly for women wishing to maintain or improve their fertility.