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Musselman K, Shin JH, Lamparello NA, Ahsan MD, Havryliuk Y, Schiffman M, Fenster T, Pepin K. Patient Experiences With a Multidisciplinary Fibroid Program. J Minim Invasive Gynecol 2024; 31:592-600.e2. [PMID: 38677410 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmig.2024.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVE Although medical, interventional, and surgical treatment options for fibroids have expanded over the last decade, many patients are not thoroughly counseled about all available therapies. Patients desire a more comprehensive approach with shared decision-making tailored to their health goals. The aim of this study is to assess patient knowledge regarding treatment options before and after consultation with a multidisciplinary fibroid center. DESIGN Prospective survey study. SETTING Academic medical center in New York, NY. PATIENTS AND PARTICIPANTS Patients who presented for initial consultation with a multidisciplinary fibroid program from July 2021 through January 2022. INTERVENTIONS Patients were offered same-day office consultation with a minimally invasive gynecologic surgeon (MIGS) followed by a telemedicine visit with an interventional radiologist (IR) within 3 weeks of the appointment request. Collaborative discussions were held between providers regarding patient care. Patients were asked to complete the survey following both appointments. Data was collected regarding demographics, prior evaluation of fibroids, knowledge about treatment options, and overall experience. RESULTS A total of 102 patients completed the survey (response rate 77%). A majority (55.9%) had known about their fibroids for at least 2 years. Most patients sought out the fibroid program for a 2nd (28.4%), 3rd (22.5%) or 4th (7.8%) opinion. Notably, 35.3% of patients who had previously been seen by an obstetrician-gynecologist (OB/GYN) were not offered any treatment. Of those who had been offered treatment, 24.5% were counseled on medical management with oral contraceptives, 28.4% on surgical options, and 5.9% on uterine artery embolization. Nearly all patients (86.3%) endorsed that they would not have sought 2 separate consultations had it not been for the program. Patients were overall well-informed after their experience, with 95.1% reporting they were more knowledgeable about their options and none reporting the 2 separate consults created more confusion for them. CONCLUSION Many patients with symptomatic fibroids seeking secondary opinions have not been adequately counseled on fibroid management options. A collaborative approach to fibroid management better educates patients, provides an opportunity to be thoroughly counseled by the specialists performing either surgical or interventional procedures, and increases patient knowledge about fibroid treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey Musselman
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics (Musselman), Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland.
| | - Ja Hyun Shin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (Shin, Havryliuk, Schiffman, and Fenster), Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Nicole A Lamparello
- Department of Vascular and Interventional Radiology (Lamparello and Schiffman), Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | | | - Yelena Havryliuk
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (Shin, Havryliuk, Schiffman, and Fenster), Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Marc Schiffman
- Department of Vascular and Interventional Radiology (Lamparello and Schiffman), Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Tamatha Fenster
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (Shin, Havryliuk, Schiffman, and Fenster), Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Kristen Pepin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (Shin, Havryliuk, Schiffman, and Fenster), Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
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Musselman K, Pepin K, Lamparello NA, Havryliuk Y, Schiffman M, Fenster T, Shin JH. Evolving Referral Patterns and Management Following Implementation of a Multidisciplinary Fibroid Center: A Retrospective Cohort Study. J Clin Med 2024; 13:3632. [PMID: 38999198 PMCID: PMC11242787 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13133632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2024] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Our objective was to evaluate changes in the management of symptomatic fibroids after establishing a multidisciplinary fibroid center with minimally invasive gynecologic surgery (MIGS) and interventional radiology (IR). Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted at the fibroid center created in September 2020. Patients were offered same-day consults with both MIGS and IR providers. Data were collected for patients with initial consultations from January to June 2019 (pre-fibroid center) and from January to June 2021 (post-fibroid center). Results: Among 615 patients meeting inclusion criteria, 273 had consultations pre-center and 342 post-center. More patients seen post-center had previously attempted medical management (30.1% vs. 20.2%), with a significant proportion having no prior medical or surgical treatment (53.2% vs. 61.5%). Post-center, there were more MIGS consultations (65.5% vs. 53.1%) and a decrease in general gynecology (GYN) consultations (19.0% vs. 25.6%). More patients sought additional opinions post-center (83.6% vs. 67.0%), particularly with MIGS (58.8% vs. 37.0%). General GYNs referred to MIGS (79.3% vs. 73.1%) and IR specialists (16.0% vs. 13.0%) more often in 2021. In 2021, use of MRI increased (66.5% vs. 52.4%), and more patients underwent uterine artery embolization (UAE) within 1 year of consultation compared to the pre-center period (13.8% vs. 6.9%). Conclusions: Patients with symptomatic fibroids often seek the expertise of specialists to explore treatment options. A multidisciplinary fibroid center that integrates efforts of MIGS and IR enables thorough counseling and a rise in the utilization of minimally invasive procedures, including UAE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey Musselman
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Kristen Pepin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA; (K.P.); (Y.H.); (T.F.); (J.H.S.)
| | - Nicole A. Lamparello
- Department of Vascular and Interventional Radiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA; (N.A.L.); (M.S.)
| | - Yelena Havryliuk
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA; (K.P.); (Y.H.); (T.F.); (J.H.S.)
| | - Marc Schiffman
- Department of Vascular and Interventional Radiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA; (N.A.L.); (M.S.)
| | - Tamatha Fenster
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA; (K.P.); (Y.H.); (T.F.); (J.H.S.)
| | - Ja Hyun Shin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA; (K.P.); (Y.H.); (T.F.); (J.H.S.)
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Gagnon PL, Thérasse É, Voizard N, Dubé M, Caty V. Uterine Fibroid Embolization Survey in Canada: Challenges, Opportunities, and Differences in Practices Across the Country. Can Assoc Radiol J 2024:8465371241252307. [PMID: 38755969 DOI: 10.1177/08465371241252307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose: To assess the current practices surrounding Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) in Canada. Methods: An online survey was sent to Canadian Association for Interventional Radiology (CAIR) members. It included questions on symptoms prompting UFE, patient awareness, investigation, UFE settings, the number of UFE procedures, and post-UFE care. The findings were discussed at CAIR's 2023 annual meeting by an expert panel. Results: Out of 792 surveys sent, 87 were filled (11%). Menorrhagia is the most common indication for UFE (87%). Women's awareness of UFE as a treatment option for fibroids is viewed as poor or average by 94% of our survey respondents. Most respondents see patients in clinics (92%) before the procedure and evaluate fibroids with MRI pre-UFE (76%). There is variability in care post-UFE, with 33% of procedures being performed as day surgery while 67% lead to overnight stay. For pain management, intravenous analgesia (including patient-controlled analgesia) is used in 76% (63/83) of cases while 19% (16/83) of respondents mentioned using epidural analgesia. Finally, there is an even split between embolic agent used; non-spherical polyvinyl alcohol (50%) and spherical particles (50%). Conclusion: Respondents believe patients in Canada still have limited awareness of UFE. Interventional radiologists are increasingly involved in the entire patient care trajectory, overseeing pre-and post-procedure care and hospitalizing patients. For pain management after UFE, it is observed that while epidural analgesia has been demonstrated more effective than alternatives, it is not widely used as the primary method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre-Luc Gagnon
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Éric Thérasse
- Faculté de médecine, Département de radiologie, radio-oncologie et médecine nucléaire, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Nicolas Voizard
- Faculté de médecine, Département de radiologie, radio-oncologie et médecine nucléaire, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Centre intégré universitaire de santé et des services sociaux de l'Est de l'Ile de Montréal-Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Michel Dubé
- Faculté de médecine, Département de radiologie, radio-oncologie et médecine nucléaire, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Centre intégré universitaire de santé et des services sociaux de l'Est de l'Ile de Montréal-Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Véronique Caty
- Faculté de médecine, Département de radiologie, radio-oncologie et médecine nucléaire, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Centre intégré universitaire de santé et des services sociaux de l'Est de l'Ile de Montréal-Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, Montréal, QC, Canada
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Lerner VT, Donnellan NM, Siedhoff MT, Truong MD, King CR. Care Delivery for Patients with Leiomyomas: Failures, Real-Life Experiences, Analysis of Barriers, and Proposed Restorative Remedies. Health Equity 2023; 7:439-452. [PMID: 37638119 PMCID: PMC10457642 DOI: 10.1089/heq.2022.0116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In this narrative review, we describe historical and contemporary influences that prevent patients with fibroids from getting appropriate medical care. Using patient stories as examples, we highlight how misogyny on all levels hurts patients and prevents medical teams from doing their best. Importantly, inequity and disparities result in massive gaps in care delivery. We suggest that we, as gynecologists and surgeons, must join public discourse on this topic to highlight the inadequacies of care delivery and the reasons behind it, suggest potential solutions, and join patients and communities in formulating and implementing remedies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica T. Lerner
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Lenox Hill Hospital, Northwell Health, New York, New York, USA
| | - Nicole M. Donnellan
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, UPMC Magee-Women's Hospital, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Mathew T. Siedhoff
- Division of Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Mireille D. Truong
- Division of Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Cara R. King
- Section of Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery, Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women's Health Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
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Kröncke T. An update on uterine artery embolization for uterine leiomyomata and adenomyosis of the uterus. Br J Radiol 2023; 96:20220121. [PMID: 36222200 PMCID: PMC9975358 DOI: 10.1259/bjr.20220121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 06/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Uterine artery embolization (UAE) is an established technique to treat benign diseases of the uterus such as uterine leiomyomata (fibroids) and adenomyosis. This article reviews the use of UAE in these conditions and summarizes the evidence regarding safety and efficacy of the technique based on the current literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Kröncke
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
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Abstract
Since the introduction of uterine artery embolization as a treatment option for symptomatic leiomyomas, there has been a growing interest in expanding the role of interventional radiology (IR) in the evaluation and treatment of obstetrics and gynecology (OBGYN) patients. This review provides an overview of opportunities for collaboration between IR and OBGYN. This can include medically and/or surgically complex patients, efforts to reduce quantitative blood loss, obstetrical emergencies, and consideration of fertility or uterine preservation. Increased collaborative efforts between IR and OBGYN would allow for patients to be fully informed regarding the complete spectrum of surgical and nonsurgical treatment options available to them. The purpose of this review is to foster opportunities to improve outcomes and respect patient values.
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Ciebiera M, Łoziński T. The role of magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound in fertility-sparing treatment of uterine fibroids-current perspectives. Ecancermedicalscience 2020; 14:1034. [PMID: 32419846 PMCID: PMC7221132 DOI: 10.3332/ecancer.2020.1034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Uterine fibroids (UFs) are the most common benign tumours of the female reproductive system and the most frequent reason for hysterectomy worldwide. UFs are reported in 20%–70% of women of reproductive age depending on a study group. Although most women with UFs are asymptomatic, over 30% of them will present with different symptoms. Abnormal uterine bleeding, pain, pressure and infertility are the most common. Lesions that cause these kinds of symptoms may require medical intervention. Trends in UF treatment change along with patient awareness and the introduction of new methods and techniques. Selecting an appropriate treatment option should be individualised and adjusted to the patient’s expectations as much as possible. This choice will mostly depend on the patient’s age, UF location, the size and number of lesions, severity of symptoms and, most importantly, the patient’s expectations concerning the preservation of fertility. Observations made for the past few years showed an increasing number of pre- and perimenopausal women who wish to preserve their uterus or decline surgery. In line with current trends and demands in medicine, great importance is attached to the development and upgrade of new minimally invasive or noninvasive procedures in UF therapy. Magnetic resonance-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound (MR-HIFU) is not associated with severe destruction of the uterine cavity and walls. For this reason, this method may be considered as a kind of hope in fertility-sparing UF therapy and the data about its use in this indication raises future hope. In this review, we summarise the available data on the use of MR-HIFU as a fertility-sparing method in the treatment of UFs. We also indicate how it could evolve in the future. According to the available data, MR-HIFU is a relatively safe noninvasive method which seems not to deteriorate fertility compared to the pre-treatment status. MR-HIFU may constitute an alternative solution and be chosen in patients who meet the qualification criteria and deny other methods, which also facilitates the use of other treatment options in case the procedure is ineffective. Further randomised studies are necessary to confirm the above information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michał Ciebiera
- Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Center of Postgraduate Medical Education, Warsaw, Poland.,http://orcid.org/0000-0001-5780-5983
| | - Tomasz Łoziński
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Pro-Familia Hospital, Rzeszów, Poland
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Makary MS, Gage D, Elliott ED, Dowell JD. Primary Care Provider Awareness of IR: A Single-Center Analysis. J Vasc Interv Radiol 2019; 30:1420-1427. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jvir.2019.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2019] [Revised: 03/12/2019] [Accepted: 04/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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Effect of Direct Marketing for Uterine Artery Embolization on Rates of Leiomyomas, Incidental Findings, and Management After Pelvic MRI. J Am Coll Radiol 2016; 13:775-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jacr.2016.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2016] [Revised: 02/04/2016] [Accepted: 02/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Mara M, Kubinova K. Embolization of uterine fibroids from the point of view of the gynecologist: pros and cons. Int J Womens Health 2014; 6:623-9. [PMID: 25018653 PMCID: PMC4074023 DOI: 10.2147/ijwh.s43591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Uterine artery embolization (UAE) is a minimally invasive procedure with large symptomatic potential in treatment of women with uterine leiomyomas. Due to specificities of this method and possible complications the appropriate indication is crucial. Patient’ symptoms, age, plans for pregnancy, and surgical and reproductive history play a major role in decision-making regarding appropriate subjects for UAE. Close cooperation between the gynecologist and the interventional radiologist is necessary. UAE is usually offered as an alternative to surgical treatment. In patients with no fertility plans, it is a less invasive option than abdominal hysterectomy, with a comparable effect on fibroid-related symptoms and quality of life. The need for reintervention is markedly greater in patients after UAE (up to 35% within 5 years) than after hysterectomy. Women with large symptomatic fibroids wishing to retain the uterus and ineligible for minimally invasive (laparoscopic or vaginal) hysterectomy are good candidates for UAE. However, studies comparing UAE with minimally invasive hysterectomy are lacking. Use of UAE in younger women desiring pregnancy is more controversial, mainly because of the significant risk of miscarriage (as high as 64% in some studies) as well as the increased risk of other complications of pregnancy, such as preterm delivery, abnormal placentation, and post-partum hemorrhage. The risk of infertility or subfertility following UAE is unknown. Even poor candidates for myomectomy should be carefully selected for UAE after counseling about all possible adverse effects on fertility. Good prospective studies focused on fertility comparing UAE with no treatment or with myomectomy are needed but would be ethically questionable. This review summarizes the current knowledge regarding the benefits and potential risks of UAE from the point of view of the gynecologist, who should be responsible for proper indication of this treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Mara
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, General Faculty Hospital and First Medical Faculty of Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Kristyna Kubinova
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, General Faculty Hospital and First Medical Faculty of Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
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Buckley BT. Uterine artery embolisation: challenges and opportunities in cross-specialty care. Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol 2012; 52:103-5. [PMID: 22469021 DOI: 10.1111/j.1479-828x.2012.01431.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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