Role of Uterine Artery Embolization in the Management of Cervical Cancer: Review Article

Procedure of uterine artery embolization is performed by radiologists. X-ray fluoroscopy, arteriography and embolization are performed via a percutaneous right femoral artery approach using local anaesthesia and intravenous sedation. Both internal iliac arteries are in turn selectively catheterised and limited arteriography is obtained to identify the uterine arteries. Polyvinyl alcohol or gelofoam particles are used to effect embolisation of the uterine vascular bed. Mixed with contrast they are injected through the catheter and flow directed. Embolisation is considered complete when the flow is arrested. Following embolisation the patients are hospitalised for 24–36 hours for pain control (Figure 1 and 2). Regarding cervical cancer, one in ten female cancers diagnosed worldwide are cancers of the cervix and it is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in Southern Africa and Central America. As per Cancer Research UK, the annual incidence of cervical cancer in the UK is approximately 9 in 100,000 cases [6].