Uterine artery embolization for fibroids.

UAE is an alternative to surgery for treatment of uterine fibroids that uses injections of small plastic or gelatin beads to thrombose fibroid vessels arising from the uterine artery. Clinical studies have reported less menorrhagia and pelvic pain in patients who have undergone the procedure. After embolization, many patients experience pain requiring an overnight hospital stay and administration of parenteral opioids. UAE is generally not recommended for women who have not completed childbearing.