dysfunctional uterine bleeding & uterine fibroids - Health Plan of ...
dysfunctional uterine bleeding & uterine fibroids - Health Plan of ...
dysfunctional uterine bleeding & uterine fibroids - Health Plan of ...
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In an updated practice bulletin, ACOG states that the levonorgestrel intra<strong>uterine</strong> system leads to<br />
minimal systemic effects, and the localized endometrial effect is beneficial for treatment <strong>of</strong><br />
menorrhagia. Small studies suggest that the levonorgestrel intra<strong>uterine</strong> system may be effective for<br />
treatment <strong>of</strong> heavy <strong>uterine</strong> <strong>bleeding</strong> in women with leiomyomas. However, these women may have a<br />
higher rate <strong>of</strong> expulsion and vaginal spotting. (ACOG, 2008)<br />
Uterine Artery Embolization<br />
American College <strong>of</strong> Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)<br />
In a committee opinion on <strong>uterine</strong> artery embolization (UAE), ACOG makes the following statement.<br />
Based on current evidence, it appears that <strong>uterine</strong> artery embolization, when performed by experienced<br />
physicians, provides good short-term relief <strong>of</strong> bulk-related symptoms and a reduction in menstrual<br />
flow. Complication rates associated with the procedure are low, but in rare cases can include<br />
hysterectomy and death. There is insufficient evidence to ensure its safety in women desiring to retain<br />
their fertility, and pregnancy-related outcomes remain understudied. ACOG considers the procedure<br />
investigational or relatively contraindicated in women wishing to retain fertility. The use <strong>of</strong> <strong>uterine</strong><br />
artery embolization in postmenopausal women is rarely, if ever, indicated (ACOG, 2004).<br />
In a separate practice bulletin on alternatives to hysterectomy in managing <strong>uterine</strong> <strong>fibroids</strong>, ACOG<br />
states that based on long- and short-term outcomes, <strong>uterine</strong> artery embolization is a safe and effective<br />
option for appropriately selected women who wish to retain their uteri (ACOG, 2008).<br />
WOU001<br />
U.S. FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION (FDA)<br />
Endometrial Ablation<br />
Devices for thermal ablation <strong>of</strong> the endometrium are regulated by the FDA as Class III devices that are<br />
subject to the most extensive regulations enforced by the FDA. See the following website for more<br />
information (use product codes MNB or MKN):<br />
http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfPMA/pma.cfm. Accessed June 30, 2010.<br />
The HerOption Uterine Cryoblation Therapy System received premarket approval (PMA) on April 20,<br />
2001. The device is a closed-cycle cryosurgical device intended to ablate the endometrial lining <strong>of</strong> the<br />
uterus in premenopausal women with menorrhagia due to benign causes for whom childbearing is<br />
complete. See the following website for more information:<br />
http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfTopic/pma/pma.cfm?num=p000032. Accessed<br />
June 30, 2010.<br />
ThermaChoice received premarket approval (PMA) on December 12, 1997 for the treatment <strong>of</strong><br />
menorrhagia (excessive <strong>uterine</strong> <strong>bleeding</strong>) due to benign causes in premenopausal women for whom<br />
child bearing is complete. See the following website for more information:<br />
http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfPMA/pma.cfm?id=1088. Accessed June 30, 2010.<br />
Hydro ThermAblator received premarket approval (PMA) on April 20, 2001 to ablate the endometrial<br />
lining <strong>of</strong> the uterus in premenopausal women with menorrhagia (excessive <strong>uterine</strong> <strong>bleeding</strong>) due to<br />
benign causes for whom child bearing is complete. See the following website for more information:<br />
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