Copyright © 2008, Joel Garris MD, FACR. All rights reserved.
Uterine Fibroids
INTERVENTIONAL RADIOLOGY
Minimally Invasive Alternatives to Surgery
My Gynecologist
What should my GYN know about UFE?
Is it his or her obligation to inform me of all of my options before I make a decision about how to treat my fibroids, even if my gynecologist doesn't perform UFE?
- Gynecologists have been informed by their national organizations and by the gynecology scientific literature that UFE is a viable non-surgical option to treat fibroids.
- Gynecologist are recommended by the American Board of Obstetricians and Gynecologists to read the article by Bradley below, when preparing for board recertification.
- According to the AMA, the informed consent process is both an ethical obligation and a legal requirement spelled out in statutes and case law in all 50 states. The gynecologist is obligated and faces strict penalties if he or she does not tell you that UFE is proven to be a safe and effective alternative to surgery to treat fibroids.
References:
American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology-AUGUST 2009:
UTERINE FIBROID EMBOLIZATION, A VIABLE ALTERNATIVE TO HYSTERECTOMY
Linda D. Bradley, MD, Gynecologist
Department Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH.
"UFE is a safe, effective, and durable nonsurgical alternative to hysterectomy."
American College of Gynecologists and Obstetricians-Practice Bulletin #96-AUGUST 2008:
ALTERNATIVES TO HYSTERECTOMY IN THE MANGEMENT OF LEIOMYOMAS (uterine fibroids)
Clinical management guidelines for Obstetrician-Gynecologists
"Based on good and consistent scientific evidence (level A) and based on long- and short-term outcomes, uterine artery embolization is a safe and effective option."
American Medical Association Code of Medical Ethics 2010-2011
Authored by the AMA, ISBN#: 978-1-60359-209-3
