Investigating the Underutilization of Uterine Fibroid Embolization by Surveying Practice Preferences of Obstetricians/Gynecologists

Abstract

This study aimed to survey the practice preferences of obstetricians/gynecologists (OB/GYNs) that may be contributing to the underutilization of uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) in the treatment of symptomatic uterine fibroids (SUFs). A 22-question survey was created using the Qualtrics XM software and distributed to an obstetrics/gynecology-specific social media group of resident or attending OB/GYNs practicing in the United States. One hundred twelve responses met the inclusion criteria. For patients with SUFs, UFE was offered as a first-choice option <2% of the time. For patients with SUFs seeking to maintain fertility, UFE was recommended only 1% of the time after medical therapy (54%) and myomectomy (42%). Respondents reported lower rates of confidence (selecting "strongly agree" or "agree") regarding risks and benefits of UFE (77%) in comparison with those of myomectomy (99%) or hysterectomy (100%). Because UFE was seldom recommended by respondents, further, more robust polling of OB/GYNs is warranted.