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VASCULAR AND NON-VASCULAR
INTERVENTIONAL PROCEDURES
Uterine Fibroid Embolization
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Fibroids are benign tumors of the uterus affecting over 25% of women. Fibroids can cause heavy menstrual periods, frequent urination, constipation, painful intercourse, bloating, and general pelvic discomfort. In the past, many women were treated with hysterectomy- surgical removal of the uterus. Over the past decade, the less invasive UFE procedure has emerged and become the treatment of choice for many women. In 2004, Condolleezza Rice had this procedure for treatment of her fibroids at Georgetown Medical Center. Her procedure was covered in the local and national media.
Using x-ray guidance, an interventional radiologist inserts a catheter (a small tube) into an artery in the groin. The catheter is carefully directed into the arteries supplying blood and nutrients to the uterus and fibroids. Specially calibrated material is injected into these arteries depriving the fibroids of blood. The fibroids shrink over several months following the procedure.
The procedure is performed with intravenous sedation to alleviate discomfort. Women are generally kept in the hospital over night and discharged the following day. Most women resume their usual daily activities within two to five days. The procedure is effective in 85 to 90 percent of women. In those for whom it is not successful, surgical treatment can still be performed.
Key Advantages:
- Fibroid embolization usually requires a hospital stay of one night.
- Many women resume light activities in a few days and majority of women are able to return back to normal activities within one week.
- No surgical incision
- No surgical complications such as wound infection, peritonitis and hematoma.
- Pregnancy maybe possible after procedure.
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