Syam Vasireddy: Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths in the uterus, which can vary in size. Fibroids can be small, but some can grow larger than six inches. Many of these cause no symptoms but when they do, the symptoms can include heavy, prolonged periods, fatigue due to anemia, pain, increased urinary frequency, enlarged belly, and constipation. Learn about what the procedure of uterine fibroid embolization can do as a medical treatment.
Current medical treatments include birth control pills (which decrease the heavy bleeding) and hormone treatments (which sometimes can shrink the fibroids). These forms of therapy though may cause menopause-like side effects such as hot flashes and bone loss. Fibroid symptoms will return when the treatment stops. Surgical treatments include hysterectomy (complete removal of uterus) and myomectomy (surgical removal of the fibroids). These are effective but require anesthesia and long recovery times and the normal risks of a surgical procedure.
Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) also referred to as uterine artery embolization (UAE) is a minimally invasive option that preserves the uterus and has a significant reduction in recovery times compared to surgery. This procedure involves blocking the blood supply to the fibroids causing them to shrink. Many studies have demonstrated this procedure to reduce pain, bleeding, and frequent urination. The procedure requires only a small nick in the skin and a one-day hospital stay for monitoring and pain control. Sedation during the procedure requires only IV medications with the procedure typically lasting around one hour. Patients often return to work in seven to 10 days after a UFE. Research has shown uterine fibroid embolization to have lower complication rate after 30 days than a hysterectomy (12.7 percent to 32 percent).
The risks and complications of UFE are transient amenorrhea, short-term allergic reaction/rash, vaginal discharge/infection, possible fibroid passage, drug reactions, and pain.
Uterine fibroid embolizations have been performed by Interventional radiologists for well over a decade now with positive results. Most insurance companies will cover UFE as a treatment for symptomatic fibroids. If you are interested in more information or would like to speak to an Interventional Radiologist regarding the procedure, call 217-788-3200 or visit crscweb.com.
Syam Vasireddy, MD, MS, is an interventional radiologist at Vascular and Interventional Radiology, Clinical Radiologists, S.C. in Springfield.
MORE INFORMATION: MayoClinic
