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| What is Uterine Fibroid Embolization Treatment? |
Embolization procedures have been performed for more than 20 years
in the treatment of disorders varying from embolization of the uterus for post-partum hemorrhaging to the treatment
of liver cancer.
In the early 1990’s uterine fibroid embolization was performed in France to decrease operative bleeding in preparation
for hysterectomy or myomectomy. After embolization, patients awaiting surgery found they experienced a decrease
in their symptoms. With this knowledge, physicians started using uterine fibroid embolization as a main treatment
for fibroids. The procedure has been performed for several years in the United States at major teaching hospitals
including UCLA Medical Center and Georgetown University. As of 1999, more than 4000 patients with fibroids have
undergone FE in the United States with an 85 to 95 percent clinical and therapeutic success rate, and an average
reduction in fibroid size ranging from 40 to 70 percent. These results have allowed UAE to gain recognition as
a preferred treatment option for symptomatic uterine fibroids.
Fibroids are fueled by  estrogen enriched blood, this blood is supplied almost entirely through the uterine arteries. By embolizing
the uterine arteries (blocking the blood flow), the fibroids no longer recieve nourishment, and therefore begin
to break down. Over time the fibroids will shrink and/or be completely reabsorbed by the body. As there is additional
blood flow through the ovarian and other arteries, the uterous remains healthy and intact in the vast majority
of patients. Most symptoms, such as menstruel bleeding and pain, show almost immediate improvement following UAE.
However, it is important to remember that fibroids can take 6 months to a year to shrink, so symptoms such as sciatic
pain and mass effect (bloated feeling) may take longer to subside.
| Diagnosing Uterine Fibroids |
Most women are initially diagnosed with uterine fibroids through a routine pelvic exam and/or Ultrasound (also
known as a Sonogram). A pelvic exam is limited in that the Gynecologist can generally best detect only larger fibroids
or those located near the outer surface of the uterus. Ultrasound provides a rather "hazy" image, and
can be inconclusive, as there are
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Post Embolization Pelvic CT
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other conditions that appear and/or cause the same symptoms as uterine
fibroids. As part of your consultation with Dr. Niedzwiecki, you will be asked to have a MRI. This non-invasive
test best distinguishes the various types of fibroids (submucosal, intramural, subserosal, pedunculated, or exophytic),
as well as determines their number, size, and location. A MRI can also detect any abnormalities |
| that may require further evaluation, or distinguish between fibroids
and "fibroid mimickers" such as adenomyosis or ovarian cysts. In addition, this MRI will be used as a
baseline and compared with follow-up MRI’s. Generally Dr. Niedzwiecki requests follow-up MRIs at six months and
one year post FE. |
Where do I Call for a Consultation?
Please Call
us TODAY at 727-791-7300 if you have any questions.
We're looking forward to helping you .
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Pre-embolization uterine artery angiogram
Post-embolization uterine artery angiogram
Pre-embolization uterine artery angiogram
Post-embolization uterine artery angiogram
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