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Fibroids Can Be Frustrating.
Uterine fibroids are benign (non-cancerous) tumors that grow within the muscle tissue of the uterus. Fibroids can grow as a single growth or in clusters (or groups). Their size can vary from small, like an apple seed (or less than one inch), to even larger than a grapefruit, or eight inches across or more.
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And they are very common. Estimates vary but range as high as 77% for women of childbearing age have uterine fibroids. While many women do not experience any problems and do not have medical treatment for their fibroids, symptoms may be severe enough to require treatment.
Until now, most treatments for uterine fibroids required invasive surgical procedures. Now, you have options. MR guided Focused Ultrasound (MRgFUS) and Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) are non-surgical procedures that can reduce recovery time and get you back to your life sooner.
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About
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MR guided Focused Ultrasound Surgery is a revolutionary treatment that uses a combination of high-intensity ultrasound waves and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to treat uterine fibroids. It's non-invasive - no scalpels, no cutting. This new alternative allows your doctor to non-invasively focus ultrasound energy to heat the fibroid, destroy the tissue.
UFE also known as uterine artery embolization, is also a non-surgical procedure used to treat uterine fibroids. Using real-time X-ray imaging, the physician guides a catheter through the femoral artery and then releases tiny particles, the size of grains of sand, into the uterine arteries that supply blood to the fibroid tumor. These particles block the blood flow to the fibroid tumor and cause it to shrink and die.
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How It Works
MRgFUS
MR guided Focused Ultrasound Surgery is an outpatient procedure which uses high doses of focused ultrasound waves (HIFU) to destroy uterine fibroids. The waves are guided by an MRI. You are conscious during the procedure, but sedated and feeling no pain.
This non-invasive procedure does not affect any other tissues around the fibroid and is conducted in a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner which helps your doctor "see" inside your body to guide, pinpoint and continuously monitor the treatment.
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UFE
Uterine Fibroid Embolization is performed by an interventional radiologist while you are conscious, but sedated and feeling no pain. It does not require general anesthesia.
The physician makes a tiny nick in the skin in the groin and inserts a catheter into the femoral artery. Using real-time x-ray on a video screen, the physician guides the catheter through the artery and then releases tiny particles, the size of grains of sand, into the uterine arteries that supply blood to the fibroid tumor. This blocks the blood flow to the fibroid tumor and causes it to shrink and die.
Source: http://www.sirweb.org/patPub/uterine.shtml
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More questions?
What are some symptoms of uterine fibroids?
Many women who have uterine fibroids never require treatment, as they do not have symptoms. However, one out of four women of childbearing age suffers from significant fibroid symptoms and needs treatment. The symptoms will differ depending on the location, size and number of fibroids but can include:
- Abnormal bleeding during menstrual periods
- Pelvic pain or pressure
- Bladder and/or bowel problems
Visit iVillage Total Health for more signs and symptoms of uterine fibroids.
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How to know which treatment is right for you?
If you require treatment for your fibroid related symptoms but want to avoid surgery and preserve your uterus, consult your doctor. Based on the results of your physical exam, health history and blood tests, your doctor will decide if Uterine Fibroid Emobilization or MR guided focused ultrasound may be an appropriate treatment for you.
For other treatment options, visit the National Women's Health Information Center.
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What will I experience during the MRgFUS fibroid treatment?
You are given a sedative and pain medication before the procedure for relaxation. The treatment takes place with you lying on the patient table inside the MR scanner. Before the procedure starts, the medical team will make sure you are comfortable. The doctor will speak with you throughout the procedure via a special two-way communication system, letting you know when images are being acquired (scanning) and when the system is sonicating (treating the fibroids). It is normal to feel a warming sensation in the pelvic region during the treatment. Although pain during the procedure is rare, you will be given a safety stop button that allows you to immediately halt the treatment if it becomes painful. During the entire procedure you will be conscious and will provide feedback to the doctor. Afterwards, while the mild sedation wears off, you will rest in the clinic for a few hours. You will then be able to go home and resume normal activity.
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What happens during the UFE procedure?
The procedure typically takes 60 to 90 minutes. It is performed in a medical imaging or surgical suite equipped with an x-ray machine. Your heart rate, blood pressure and other vital levels will be monitored throughout the procedure. You will be given a sedative and a local anesthetic to numb the skin at the groin. Most patients remain overnight in the hospital for pain control and observation. Recovery from the effects of the procedure is typically within one to two weeks after uterine fibroid embolization and then you will be able to return to their normal activities. It usually takes two to three months for the fibroids to shrink enough so that bulk-related symptoms such as pain and pressure improve.
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Where can I get more information on uterine fibroids?
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Looking for a healthcare facility in your area with Insightec MRgFUS treatment technology?
Click here to find local facilities that offer those products.
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