Uterine artery embolisation (UAE) for the treatment of adenomyosis
NICE has been notified about this procedure and will consider it as part of its work programme.
The Interventional Procedures Advisory Committee (IPAC) will consider this procedure 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.
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Description
Adenomyosis is uterine thickening that occurs when the endometrium (tissue that normally lines the uterus) appear within the muscle of the uterus. In some patients adenomyosis may be present and cause no symptoms. When the condition persists, patients may present with symptoms which include heavy, prolonged menstrual bleeding with severe cramps, pelvic pain and discomfort because of uterine enlargement. Medical treatment may include anti-inflammatory medications or hormone suppression. For severe cases hysterectomy may be necessary. In patients who do not wish to have hysterectomy or those who wish to preserve fertility, uterine artery embolisation may be an alternative option. Uterine artery embolisation involves injecting small particles into the blood vessels that take blood to the uterus. The aim is to block the blood supply to the adenomyosis so that they shrink.