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Uterine fibroids are benign tumors of muscle cells and fibrous tissue that form inside the uterus. Fibroids may cause no symptoms; while in other women produce heavy vaginal bleeding and "bulk symptoms" (pelvic pain, pressure on the bladder causing a sensation of fullness, lower back pain). Fibroids can also be a cause of pregnancy loss in some women. The most common tumor found in the female reproductive system, uterine fibroids are seen in 20-25% of all women and are estimated to occur in 40% of menstruating women older than 50 years. Uterine fibroids can occur at any time between menarche and menopause but are most common in women 35-49 years of age. They typically resolve after menopause. Click here to view image - Embolization The survival of fibroid tumors depends on a continuous supply of nourishment from blood vessels. If these blood vessels are blocked, the fibroids will gradually shrink down in size, similar to a plant that withers from a lack of water. Uterine fibroid embolization is a procedure that doctors use to shut down blood supply to the fibroids by injecting tiny sand-like particles into the arteries of the uterus so that shrinkage will occur. ProcedureThe uterine fibroid embolization procedure is performed in the interventional radiology suite under local anesthetic. Through a tiny cut in the skin, the doctor inserts a soft plastic Click here to view image - Embolization Procedure catheter into an artery near the patient's hip. Guided by a specialized x-ray camera, the catheter is carefully steered into the arteries of the uterus which nourish the fibroids. At this point, microscopic particles of plastic spheres (which are inert and compatible with body) are injected until the desired amount of blockage is achieved. The catheter is removed and the doctor presses on the patient's skin where the artery was entered until bleeding stops. After the embolization is complete, a final arteriogram is performed to be sure the fibroid flow is blocked. Uterine Fibroid Embolization at Nova Specialty SurgeryUterine Fibroid Embolization is performed by expert surgeons at the following Nova Specialty Surgery Centers. Click on the location to make an appointment. |
