REDDING, November 1, 2010: For years women with uterine fibroids, noncancerous tumors that grow in the walls of the uterus, have had to undergo hysterectomies or other surgical procedures that could be painful, leave scars and affect their future fertility, to remove the fibroids. A recent study published by Reuters Health has found, “a procedure that stops supply to fibroids could be a safe and effective alternative to hysterectomy for women whose fibroid symptoms won’t go away." http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE66R3UH20100728
Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) simply employs the use of a catheter placed into the uterine arteries. Particles, as small as grains of sand, are injected into the arteries through the catheter, which results in the blockage of the arteries feeding the fibroids. The procedure, which takes approximately 1 to 1 1/2 hours, is usually performed in an outpatient setting, allowing women to return to light activity within a few days. In a hysterectomy, fibroids are surgically removed from the body – along with the rest of the uterus. Embolization, performed by an interventional radiologist, is a less invasive, less painful option.
"Up to 40 percent of women age 35 and older have uterine fibroids of significant size", explains Dr. Stephen Hofkin of MD Imaging’s Vascular and Interventional Center. “Half of these women will experience painful symptoms which include heavy bleeding and after utilizing medications and other treatments will resort to surgery. The results of either Uterine Fibroid Embolization or Hysterectomy are similar in which symptoms are gone or much improved – it would be very worthwhile for a woman with these symptoms to have a conversation with her doctor about the benefits of both procedures."
MD Imaging’s Vascular and Interventional Center urges women to contact their doctor to discuss these comparable procedures. The Center also offers consultations to women to discuss the benefits of Uterine Fibroid Embolization and will work with the woman’s doctor to determine if she may be a candidate for the procedure. Visit MD Imaging’s website for more information at www.mdimaging.net or call MD Imaging’s Vascular and Interventional Center at (530)-245-5945.
