New hope is on the horizon for women struggling with the painful and disruptive symptoms of uterine fibroids. A significant new study offers hope, confirming that Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE), a non-surgical treatment, can dramatically improve quality of life – and the minimally invasive procedure can be conveniently performed in an outpatient setting.
The research, conducted by members of USA Fibroid Centers and USA Clinics Group, and published in Diagnostics, is the largest study to date on UAE, (also called uterine fibroid embolization [UFE), encompassing 1285 patients and highlighting the effectiveness and accessibility of this treatment option.
Top Doctors See UAE as a Major Advancement in Women’s Healthcare
Francois Geschwind, M.D., lead author and interventional radiologist, said, “This study confirms that UAE is a powerful tool for improving the lives of women with fibroids and that it can be done safely and effectively in outpatient clinics. This is a major step forward in making this treatment more accessible.”
Yan Katsnelson, M.D., CEO and Founder of USA Fibroid Centers and USA Clinics Group, added, “This research reinforces our commitment to providing accessible and effective non-surgical treatments for fibroids. The fact that a significant portion of our patients are on Medicaid underscores the vital role outpatients play in ensuring women from all socioeconomic backgrounds have access to advanced care.”
At USA Fibroid Centers, our interventional radiologists are highly specialized in Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE), bringing unparalleled expertise mastered through performing this focused treatment at hundreds of locations nationwide. Explore their credentials and specialties below to discover why we are recognized as top-tier Uterine Fibroid Treatment Specialists dedicated to comprehensive patient care
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Addressing the Impact of Fibroids: Why This Study Matters
Uterine fibroids are the most common benign tumors in women of reproductive age, affecting an estimated 20-50% of this population. Black women experience a disproportionately higher incidence, with nearly a quarter affected between the ages of 18 and 30, rising to 60% by age 35. While benign, fibroids can cause debilitating symptoms such as pelvic pain, heavy bleeding, urinary frequency, and fatigue, significantly impacting women’s daily lives and overall well-being.
Surgical treatments like myomectomy and hysterectomy have been standard, but UAE has emerged as a well-established, uterus-sparing alternative. This procedure, performed by interventional radiologists and vascular surgeons, blocks blood flow to the fibroids, causing them to shrink.
Key Findings from the Largest UAE Study Ever Conducted:
- Significant Symptom Reduction: UAE led to a reduction in bleeding in 96% of patients, pelvic pain and bulk-related symptoms in 94%, fatigue in 94%, and urination frequency in 92%.
- Improved Quality of Life: Improvements were seen in the level of activity in 82% of patients, energy and mood in 85%, and sexual function in 71%. The general Quality of Life index significantly increased in 86% of patients.
- Effective in Outpatient Setting: The study confirms that UAE performed in outpatient facilities yields excellent and consistent outcomes comparable to those reported in inpatient settings.
- Benefits Across Age Groups: While women under 55 experienced statistically better overall symptom improvement and quality of life compared to those over 55, significant improvements were observed in all age groups.
- Accessibility for Diverse Populations: Notably, 39% of the patients in the study had Medicaid insurance, highlighting the accessibility of UAE in outpatient settings for women from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, who may face barriers to traditional hospital-based care.
- Procedure Standardization: The study’s standardized clinical and procedural protocol across various outpatient centers contributed to consistent positive outcomes.
The study’s authors emphasize the importance of considering UAE as a safe and effective treatment option for symptomatic fibroids, particularly in the outpatient setting, which offers benefits in terms of cost and accessibility.
Who is Outpatient UAE For?
This groundbreaking study highlights the potential of outpatient Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE) to transform the lives of many women suffering from fibroids. If you’re seeking a non-surgical fibroid treatment that allows you to avoid a hysterectomy or myomectomy, you may be a good candidate for outpatient UFE.
This less invasive procedure offers a path to significant symptom relief and improved quality of life without a lengthy hospital stay. Furthermore, the accessibility of outpatient UAE, particularly for women with Medicaid, means more women can access this advanced care. If you’re experiencing heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, or other disruptive fibroid symptoms and are looking for a convenient and effective solution, talk to a fibroid specialist about outpatient UAE.
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A Healthcare Breakthrough for Underserved Women
Beyond its clinical success, the study highlights UAE’s potential to close healthcare gaps. Nearly 40% of successfully treated patients were on Medicaid, demonstrating how outpatient centers can break barriers to care for women who might otherwise lack treatment options.
Driving Change: Transforming Fibroid Care on a National Scale
With strong clinical proof that UAE is safe, effective, and accessible, USA Fibroid Centers is calling for increased awareness, insurance coverage expansion, and policy changes to ensure more women have access to this transformative treatment.
This groundbreaking study provides compelling evidence that Uterine Artery Embolization, when performed in an outpatient setting, significantly improves the quality of life for women with fibroid disease. The findings support the continued and expanded use of UAE as a valuable treatment option, particularly for its accessibility and effectiveness in alleviating symptoms and enhancing overall well-being.
Outpatient UAE: A Powerful Solution for Improving Fibroid Patient Lives
Inspired by this landmark study on outpatient UAE for fibroids? Take control of your health. Schedule a consultation with USA Fibroid Centers to discuss your treatment options.
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