Condoleezza Rice puts IRs in the spotlight

In 2002, the Society of Interventional Radiology launched a campaign to draw attention to uterine fibroid embolization. Last November, the procedure received national exposure following Secretary-of-State-designate Condoleezza Rice's successful intervention.

Dr. James Spies, chief of radiology at Georgetown University Hospital and a noted expert on UFE, performed the procedure.

"That such a prominent person would review the choices available to her and prefer embolization helps other women to feel comfortable with considering it and their physicians to consider offering it as an option," Spies said.

The treatment proceeded smoothly with no complications, and Rice returned home after an overnight stay in the hospital. Studies have consistently shown UFE to be effective when compared with both myomectomy and hysterectomy, and it has a short recovery time.