Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous benign tumours in or on the walls of the uterus. They affect women mostly during their reproductive years and are diagnosed in most women during their lifetime. They are particularly common in women of African or Asian descent. Fibroids may cause symptoms including abnormal menstrual bleeding, anemia, pelvic pain, changes in urination and decreased fertility.
Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous benign tumours in or on the walls of the uterus. They affect women mostly during their reproductive years and are diagnosed in most women during their lifetime. They are particularly common in women of African or Asian descent. Fibroids may cause symptoms including abnormal menstrual bleeding, anemia, pelvic pain, changes in urination and decreased fertility.
Uterine fibroids can be treated in a variety of ways including drugs, surgery, and by decreasing blood flow to the fibroids (embolization). In some cases, symptoms can be so severe that surgical removal of the uterus (hysterectomy) may be considered.
Embolization, performed by an interventional radiologist, is a safe, effective, minimally invasive alternative to surgery. During the procedure, an interventional radiologist guides a small plastic tube using Xray, into the arteries that supply the uterus from a tiny incision in the groin or wrist. The blood vessels are blocked using microscopic beads. By blocking the blood supply to the fibroids, they decrease dramatically in size and symptoms significantly improve or resolve entirely in a majority of patients.
Embolization procedures have lower risks and complication rates when compared to their surgical alternatives. Because embolization procedures are performed through a tiny hole in the skin, the hospital stay after this procedure is around 24 hours and complete recovery from the procedure is within 2 weeks.
Uterine fibroid embolization has been shown to be a safe and effective treatment but is relatively new compared to traditional surgery. Uterine fibroid embolization was first performed in 1994.
Although it is a low-risk procedure, there are side effects, risks, and potential complications which should be considered:
A catheter-based procedure that can reopen blocked fallopian tubes in selected patients after HSG confirmation.
Successful treatment of PCS relies on a coordinated effort between gynecologists and interventional radiologists (IR).
Mayfair’s interventional radiologists perform general IR procedures at Rockyview General Hospital and interventional vascular procedures at the Peter Lougheed Centre in Calgary.
