| A FIBROID TREATMENT
WITH PROMISE
An important breakthrough for women…
Embolization is a safe, effective alternative to
hysterectomy for many women with fibroid tumors
What is a “Uterine Artery Embolization”
And What can I Expect?
An Alternative To Surgery…
Your physician has recommended Uterine Artery Embolization,
an alternative to surgery. Every year hundreds of
thousands of women in the United States are diagnosed
and treated for Leiomyomata, also described as uterine
tumors. Embolization was initially reserved for women
whose health made them poor candidates for traditional
surgery. This simple procedure has been performed
on thousands of women and is so successful that it
is now offered routinely to good candidates, like
you.
Which Women Are Good Candidates?
Women who are most likely to benefit from this procedure
are:
- Patients diagnosed with uterine tumors that are
non-malignant.
- Patients diagnosed with uterine tumors whose
size and location are appropriate for myomectomy
or hysterectomy.
- Patients who prefer to avoid hysterectomy and
have been informed of the availability of both open
and endoscopic myomectomy.
- Effects on fertility have not been well studied,
but patients who have fibroid embolization have
carried a normal pregnancy.
How Does Embolization Work?
The goal of Embolization is to cut off the blood supply
to the tumor, causing it to shrink, thus eliminating
the need for surgery.
How Is Uterine Embolization Performed?
A small incision (about one quarter inch) is made
in the groin. The interventional radiologist places
a catheter into the femoral artery and guides it to
the uterus while watching the progress of the procedure
by means of X-ray imaging. Tiny particles of synthetic
material are then injected into the artery to cut
off the blood supply to the fibroid tumor, causing
it to shrink.
Advantages of Embolization
- Not a high risk procedure
- Patients are sedated, but awake
- The procedure takes less than one hour
- Performed as an outpatient procedure
- Chance of infection is minimal
- Far less risk of hemorrhage and anesthesia related
complications
- Studies show 85-90% success in eliminating or
reducing bleeding, pain or pressure on the rectum
or bladder
Are There Any Side Effects?
The most notable side effect of Uterine Embolization
is pelvic pain, probably due to Ischemia (decreased
blood supply to a body part). The pain usually begins
shortly after the procedure and may persist over the
next few days. For this reason, it is necessary to
provide intravenous pain medication and anti-inflammatory
drugs for the first several post-procedure hours.
Occasionally, there also may be nausea and a low-grade
fever. It is not abnormal to have spotting in the
first weeks after an embolization.
Will I Require Any Special Care After The
Procedure?
Most women who go through this procedure have moderate
side effects and only for the first two days. In some
instances, women may experience cramping for several
days. For this reason, each patient is individually
evaluated. The Radiologist performing the procedure
will provide you with specific instructions for your
aftercare.
When Can I Go Back To Work?
The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis
and you may return home on the same day or be kept
overnight (this depends upon the individual). However,
most women require between three and seven days of
rest before returning to work.
A Fibroid Treatment With Promise
Uterine Artery Embolization
In the past, surgery was the only alternative for
fibroid tumors, a medical problem affecting over 600,000
women annually in the United States. In many cases,
this common problem of women can now be managed on
an outpatient basis while preserving her uterus and
possibly her fertility.
Interventional Radiologists, a sub-specialty of radiology
have turned their expertise to helping women with
benign neoplasms (fibroid tumors). This new procedure
requires the collaboration of your OB/GYN with the
Radiologist in identifying and selecting the most
beneficial treatment for the patient.
Embolization is performed in less than one hour in
our interventional radiology suite. Its cost is comparable
to that of a myomectomy (the surgical removal of same)
but with fewer side effects and less recovery time.
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