Uterine Artery Embolization for Fibroids

Fibroids Strike Older Women As Well

Although uterine fibroids are associated more with women of childbearing age, they are also the most common type of pelvic tumors in women over the age of 35. Approximately 30% of women in this age bracket suffer from fibroids, and even though the tumors are non-cancerous, they can still cause a variety of uncomfortable symptoms. Excessive bleeding that can lead to iron deficiency anemia, pelvic pain and pressure, and bowel or urinary tract obstructions are but a few of the common symptoms of fibroid tumors.

The Choices Were Limited

Until recent years there were only a couple of methods of treatment available. One was hormonal therapy and the other surgery. Hormonal therapy uses anti-estrogen hormones like progesterone to shrink fibroids. Although the results have been dramatic, hormones tend to carry some negative impact as well - like osteoporosis. As a result, this type of therapy can be used for a short time only, and then it must be stopped at which time the fibroids usually come back.

Surgery Options

Surgically, the primary options were either hysterectomy or myomectomy. Hysterectomy is the total removal of the uterus with or without removal of the ovaries and fallopian tubes. If the fibroids are small, they can be removed through the vagina. However, if they are large, abdominal incision is necessary. It is major surgery and a woman has a relatively long recovery ahead of her.

The object of myomectomy is to remove only the fibroid, leaving everything else intact and preserving reproductive potential. Again, depending upon the size of the fibroid, the surgery may be done with a laparoscope or hysteroscope if the fibroid is small. Attempts at removing a large fibroid with this method usually end up with a full hysterectomy being required.

Embolization - A Better Way

Embolization (embolotherapy) is a procedure that is designed to block blood vessels from inside. It is performed by specialists using medical imaging techniques and has been used for more than 30 years as a means of stopping uncontrollable bleeding from the uterus due to cancer, trauma, pregnancy complications, and malformation of blood vessels. Positive results were seen in patients who had this procedure and studies indicated that it would be an excellent treatment for fibroid tumors. Today, uterine artery embolization programs for the non-surgical treatment of fibroids are commonly used as an alternative to hormone treatments or surgery.

Embolization has a significant improvement record of success with 75% of women treated. As techniques improved, it is expected the success rate will jump to 90% for substantial improvement in symptoms of fibroid tumors.