Uterine Fibroids
Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous tumors that develop within the uterus. They are most common among women of childbearing age and are the cause of more than 200,000 hysterectomies every year. While fibroids do not always cause symptoms, their size, location or type can lead to problems for some women, including pain and heavy menstrual bleeding.
AAR interventional radiologists were the first in Northern Virginia to offer Uterine Fibroid Embolization — a non-surgical alternative to hysterectomy.
- Uterine fibroids affect up to 40 percent of woman age 35 and older.
- Symptoms may include heavy bleeding, pelvic pain and pressure.
- Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) is a non-surgical alternative to hysterectomy that can effectively reduce fibroid size and improve symptoms with minimal risk and recovery time.
Risk Factors
Twenty to 40 percent of woman 35 and older have uterine fibroids. African American women develop fibroids more often than other women with as many as 50 percent having the condition. Women with a family history also are more likely to develop fibroids. Fibroids can dramatically increase in size during pregnancy and typically improve after menopause unless hormone replacement therapy is being taken.
Symptoms
Depending on the size, location and number of fibroids, you may experience one or more of the following symptoms:
- Heavy, prolonged menstrual periods, sometimes with clots
- Pelvic pain and pressure
- Pain in the back and legs
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Frequent need to urinate
- Constipation and bloating
- Abnormally enlarged abdomen
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Diagnosing Uterine Fibroids
Unless you start to have symptoms, you may not realize that you have uterine fibroids. Your physician may be able to detect them during a routine gynecologic exam. If uterine fibroids are suspected, your physician may order specific radiology imaging studies to confirm the diagnosis. Ultrasound, magnetic resonance (MR) and computed tomography (CT) are non-invasive radiology exams that can confirm the presence of uterine fibroids.
Your Options for Treatment
After you have been diagnosed with uterine fibroids, your physician will review your medical history, the location and size of your fibroids as well as the severity of your symptoms and help you decide on a treatment option. Your options may include myomectomy or hysterectomy, both surgical procedures, or uterine fibroid embolization, a non-surgical alternative.
Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE)
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Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE), also known as uterine artery embolization, is a non-surgical alternative that preserves the uterus. The minimally invasive procedure performed by an interventional radiologist is less painful and results in shorter hospital stays than surgical alternatives.
During the procedure, your interventional radiologist will insert a small tube called a catheter into an artery through a tiny incision at the top of the thigh. Using X-ray imaging for guidance the catheter will be directed into the uterine artery. Then, tiny round particles (the size of grains of sand) will be injected through the catheter into the blood vessels leading to the fibroids. These particles block blood supply to the fibroid causing them to shrink.
The particles remain permanently in the blood vessels at the fibroid sites and cannot travel to other parts of the body. The procedure typically takes less than an hour to complete.
After the Procedure
After your procedure, you will remain in the hospital overnight for observation. The most common side effects are nausea or abdominal cramping. Most patients may resume light activity within a few days and will fully recover in seven to 10 days.
Effectiveness of UFE
Nearly 90 percent of women who undergo fibroid embolization experience significant or total relief of heavy bleeding, pain and other symptoms. Recurrence of treated fibroids is rare. Data from a the largest multicenter research study of UFE patients showed that 90 percent of participating women avoided a hysterectomy.
A Faster and Easier Recovery
Because UFE is a minimally invasive procedure you will experience reduced risk and recovery time. The amount of time spent in the hospital is significantly reduced – an average of just one night compared to five for surgical alternatives such as myomectomy or hysterectomy. And according to a 2007 study in the New England Journal of Medicine, on average women return to work after 20 days, more than a month sooner than surgical patients.
Insurance Coverage
AAR accepts a wide range of insurance carriers. Most insurance companies cover the uterine fibroid embolization procedure as well as its post-procedure follow-up care. However, prior to the procedure, you should check with your individual insurance company regarding your specific coverage.
Treatment Locations:
The Interventional Radiologists at Association of Alexandria Radiologists, PC provide minimally invasive treatment of uterine fibroids at the following locations:
Inova Alexandria Hospital
Department of Interventional Radiology
4320 Seminary Road
Alexandria, VA 22304
Appointment Scheduling: 703.504.7950
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Inova Mount Vernon Hospital
Department of Interventional Radiology
2501 Parker’s Lane
Alexandria, VA 22306
Appointment Scheduling: 703.664.7175
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