A Prospective Pilot Study of the Safety and Effectiveness of Uterine Artery Embolization for the Treatment of Endometriosis: The UAE-E Study

Abstract

Purpose Uterine artery embolization (UAE) evidence is increasing in the setting of adenomyosis, which shares pathological similarities to endometriosis. Endometriosis is characterized by the presence of endometrium-like tissue outside of the uterus, and the retrograde menstruation hypothesis may account for disease development. In women where fertility is no longer desired, hysterectomy can be offered to improve pain-related symptoms. The authors hypothesize that this cohort of patients may similarly respond to UAE. The aim of this pilot study is to assess the safety and effectiveness of UAE in the management of endometriosis-related symptoms.

Keywords

• adenomyosis
• endometriosis
• pain
• chronic
• embolization