NON SURGICAL TREATMENT FOR UTERINE FIBROIDS
Almost all women that are diagnosed with fibroids are offered the very radical treatments such as a hysterectomy or myomyectomy. But few are aware of other minimally invasive treatment options. You are about to learn about Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE), please read as much information as you can. This is a very important life decision.
We recommend that all patients diagnosed with Fibroids, do as much research as possible about all the treatment options available. However, the information can be overwhelming. If while on this site, you have any questions, we recommend scheduling a consultation in order to answer all your questions and help you decide what the best treatment option is for you.
Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) is a safe and effective non-surgical procedure to treat fibroid tumors. The procedure is performed under conscious sedation through an IV in the patient’s arm. Studies have shown that nearly 90% of women who have a UFE procedure experience significant or complete resolution of their fibroid-related symptoms (Radiological Society of North America, Inc., RSNA)
5 Benefits of UFE over hysterectomy or myomyectomy
The physician makes a tiny nick in the skin either in the groin or the wrist (this will be discussed in further detail with you and your physician) and inserts a catheter into the artery. Using x-ray imaging, the physician guides the catheter to the uterine arteries feeding the fibroids. Once positioned, tiny embolic particles the size of grains of sand are injected into the uterine arteries. This blocks the blood flow to the fibroid tumors and causes them to shrink. As fibroids continue to shrink the symptoms resolve.
PATIENT TESTIMONIALS
E. OROPEZA (PATIENT)
My name is Elide Oropeza, 4 months ago I had a uterine fibroid embolization performed, my symptoms improved 100%, the periods which were very heavy, are now normal, in 4 or 5 days is a normal period, the pain heaviness and urge to urinate improved 100%, used to have low hemoglobin anemia of 6 or 8, and after embolization it is 11.5 to 12.
(PATIENT)
Hello, I went to Dr. Roizental, due to very long periods, hemoglobin went down to 7,after looking to all the options, I decided for the least invasive one, UTERINE ARTERY EMBOLIZATION, following 3 months, the hemoglobin is back, now in 10mg, my periods are shorter, less bleeding and I am much better. Truly it is fantastic that a hysterectomy was not done, which is so painful, with long recovery time, this is short, very practical and the results are great.
Nelly S. (PATIENT)
Hi, my name is Nelly Sanchez, I want to give my testimony regarding my Uterine artery Embolization, I had it done since 3 doctors had recommended Hysterectomy, and I did not want it, I said NO NO NO! Thank God I had the opportunity to have the Uterine fibroid Embolization, it was fast, with no pain, the 3rd or 4th day I was back to normal, after 3 months the results are great, I thought it was going to be impossible, and ended up with very good results, I fell normal, I just want to tell women who their doctors recommend a hysterectomy, to find a less invasive option as I was able to find in internet, I met Dr. Roizental, I highly recommend it.
Monica R. (PATIENT)
Hi, I am Monica Rodriguez, Dr. Roizental’s patient, in July I was about to have a total HYSTERECTOMY done due to fibroids, incidentally I arrived to Dr. Roizentals hands, I had over 8 years with abnormal periods, I used diapers due to heavy bleedings with my periods, I had the opportunity to have the Uterine Artery Embolization, which went very well, I am very happy , I have very very normal periods, with no pain or other problem, which is a great success in relation to what I had.
ARE YOU A CANDIDATE FOR A UTERINE FIBROID EMBOLIZATION?
Educating yourself is great, but every patient is different. Don’t hesitate to contact us and request an appointment.
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ELIMINATE FIBROIDS WITHOUT SURGERY
While uterine fibroids rarely pose a serious health risk, their effects can severely compromise a woman’s comfort and lifestyle. They can cause heavy menstrual bleeding and pain, including pressure on the bladder and bowel. Fibroids can also complicate pregnancies.
For years, gynecologists have relied on surgery to remove fibroids, sometimes performing hysterectomies as part of a fibroid removal surgery. Thankfully, the expert physicians at Unique Interventional Radiology can eliminate most women’s uterine fibroids with a safe, non-surgical procedure: uterine fibroid embolization, or UFE.
Our doctors use “conscious sedation” for patients who undergo UFE, so they remain awake. During the outpatient procedure, our interventional radiologists insert a catheter into a blood vessel in the patient’s thigh. Then, using x-ray imaging to see the catheter’s position, the physician targets the blood vessels that feed the fibroid. Next, he or she injects the vessels with a special substance that acts like glue to block – or embolize – the blood flow to the fibroid.
Without a source of blood, the fibroid shrinks and may even disappear. Once the fibroid is gone (or is much smaller than its original size), most patients no longer experience symptoms. In fact, 85 to 90 percent of women who undergo UFE report significant reduction in symptoms, sometimes even in a few days. And most women can return to normal activities in less than a week.
Educating yourself is great, but every patient is different. Don’t hesitate to contact us and request an appointment.
ARE YOU READY FOR A CONSULTATION?
Every patient is different, we recommend you meet with a Doctor to discuss treatment options.
Dr. Gomez served as chief resident at the University of Miami her senior year and also did a two year fellowship at Johns Hopkins medical institutions in Baltimore. (She is also Board Certified in Integrative Medicine)
Dr. Roizental is a Board Certified Vascular and Interventional Radiologist, with over 15 years experience in endovascular procedures. (Former chief resident at Harvard Medical School)
Linda Anne Hughes, MD is a board certified Vascular and Interventional Radiologist with more than twenty years experience. (Former Chief Resident at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School)
The physician makes a tiny nick in the skin either in the groin or the wrist (this will be discussed in further detail with you and your physician) and inserts a catheter into the artery. Using x-ray imaging, the physician guides the catheter to the uterine arteries feeding the fibroids. Once positioned, tiny embolic particles the size of grains of sand are injected into the uterine arteries. This blocks the blood flow to the fibroid tumors and causes them to shrink. As fibroids continue to shrink the symptoms resolve.
Immediately after the procedure
You will be monitored in the recovery room for 4 to 6 hours post procedure. Most patients experience pelvic cramping, which usually peaks during the first 2 – 6 hours after the procedure. At this point, the pain medication you received during the procedure will be wearing off and you will be given medication to continue to manage the pain. The pain you may experience is related to the lack of blood flow to the fibroids because the artery supplying the fibroid has been blocked. Some women report experiencing nausea as well.
After the first few hours, your symptoms can usually be managed at home. Because you have received sedating medications for the procedure and pain medication after the procedure, you will not be able to drive yourself home. When you leave, you will likely have only a small bandage over the nick in your groin or wrist.
The first 2 weeks
During your first full day at home, you should expect more, but milder, uterine cramping and fatigue. This will continue for the next 4-5 days. During the first week you should limit your physical activities, including work, to allow for a full recovery. By the second week of your recovery, you should be feeling more normal. Most women can return to regular activities in 8 – 14 days.
On average, 85-90 percent of women who have had the procedure experience significant or total relief of heavy bleeding, pain and/or bulk-related symptoms. The procedure is effective for multiple fibroids and large fibroids. Recurrence of treated fibroids is very rare. Short and mid-term data show UFE to be very effective with a very low rate of recurrence.
There have been numerous reports of pregnancies following Uterine Fibroid Embolization, however, prospective studies are needed to determine the effects of UFE on the ability of a woman to have children. One study comparing the fertility of women who had UFE with those who had myomectomy showed similar numbers of successful pregnancies. However, other investigators have not yet confirmed this study.
Less than two percent of patients have entered menopause as a result of UFE. This is more likely to occur if the woman is in her mid-forties or older and is already nearing menopause
Educating yourself is great, but every patient is different. Don’t hesitate to contact us and request an appointment.
Educating yourself is great, but every patient is different. Don’t hesitate to contact us and request an appointment.
Fibroids are usually diagnosed during a gynecologic physical exam. Your physician will perform a pelvic exam to feel if your uterus has increased in size. Presence of fibroids is more commonly confirmed by ultrasound. Fibroids may also be confirmed using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computer tomography (CT scan). Adequate treatment depends on the size and localization of fibroids, as well as severity of the symptoms.
Uterine fibroids are very common AND may be small enough not cause symptoms. However, in general, 20% to 40% of women over 35 years old have fibroids of a significant size. Afro-American women have a greater risk (50%) for fibroids of significant size.
