|
UTERINE
ARTERY EMBOLIZATION
 Dr.
Weber was the first physician in Raleigh to perform uterine
artery embolization as a less invasive alternative to surgical
hysterectomy in the treatment of symptomatic uterine fibroid
disease. Dr. Satish Mathan also performs these procedures. Uterine fibroid tumors are benign growths that develop
in the muscular wall of the uterus and may cause problems
for some women. Symptoms may include pain and heavy and prolonged
menstrual periods leading to anemia, as well as bowel or bladder
irritation from direct pressure.
Uterine fibroids may be diagnosed by gynecologic internal
pelvic exam and can be confirmed with ultrasound. MRI provides
the best anatomic information regarding size, number, location,
and type of fibroids. Treatment options for fibroids that
cause symptoms include hormonal therapy, myomectomy (surgical
resection of visible fibroids), hysterectomy, and uterine
artery embolization. Appropriate treatment depends on the
size and location of the fibroids, as well as the severity
of symptoms.
Procedure
Description
Uterine artery embolization is an outpatient procedure now
covered by most insurance carriers with a proven high rate
of success in select patients. An interventional radiologist
performs the procedure through a small incision in the groin
by passing a small tube to the uterine artery and releasing
tiny plastic particles that block the blood vessels that feed
the fibroid tumors, thus causing them to shrink. Complication
rates for skilled operators are extremely low, and the procedure
is generally well tolerated with minimal discomfort.
Patient
Preparation for the Procedure
Uterine artery embolization requires minimal preparation.
An overnight fast is all that is necessary.
Frequently
Asked Questions about Uterine Artery Embolization
Q:
How successful is the fibroid embolization procedure?
Studies show that 78% to 94% of women who have the procedure
experience significant or total relief of heavy bleeding,
pain, and other symptoms.
Q:
Are there risks associated with the treatment of fibroid tumors?
Fibroid embolization is considered to be very safe; however,
there are some associated risks, as there are with almost
any medical procedure. Most women experience moderate to severe
pain and cramping in the first several hours following the
procedure. Some experience nausea and fever. These symptoms
can be controlled with appropriate medications. A small number
of patients have experienced infection, which usually can
be controlled with antibiotics. It also has been reported
that there is a 1% chance of injury to the uterus, potentially
leading to hysterectomy. A small number of patients have entered
into menopause after embolization. This is more likely to
occur if the woman is in her mid-forties or older and is already
nearing menopause.
Q:
Will my fertility be affected?
A recent study comparing the fertility of women who had uterine
fibroid embolization with those who had myomectomy showed
similar numbers of successful pregnancies for both groups.
However, this study has not yet been confirmed by other investigators,
and the long-term effects of uterine fibroid embolization
(UFE) on the ability of a woman to have children have not
been fully determined.
Q:
Is fibroid embolization an FDA-approved procedure?
The FDA does not regulate the practice of medicine, but it
does approve devices and medications. All devices, equipment,
and medications used for fibroid embolization are approved
by the FDA for use in people.
Many
women wonder about the safety of leaving plastic particles
in the body. It is reassuring to know that the particles most
commonly used in UFE have been available with FDA approval
for over 20 years. During that time, they have been used in
thousands of patients without long-term complications.
Patients
interested in learning more about this procedure are encouraged
to call Dr. Weber or Dr. Mathan directly at 784-3211 or 784-3074.
|
