Although uterine fibroids are not cancerous and do not increase one’s risk of developing cancer, some of the available treatment options do involve the removal of fibroids via invasive surgery.
Women who receive a diagnosis of symptomatic uterine fibroids are often informed that a hysterectomy is the sole permanent solution. Statistics from the National Institute of Health indicate that over 200,000 hysterectomies are performed annually for fibroid treatment. Hysterectomy involves the surgical removal of all or part of the uterus, and in certain instances, the ovaries. This approach is suboptimal for various reasons, including the unnecessary removal of the uterus, heightened risks of heart attack, stroke, and the potential for earlier menopause.
Thankfully, recent progress in medical technologies, enhanced imaging capabilities, and treatments like uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) are significantly impacting the well-being of women grappling with fibroids. The physician at Precision Vascular Kentucky has extensive experience in performing the UFE procedure, a minimally invasive treatment approach that safeguards the uterus. This method entails fewer complications, faster recovery periods, and does not require a hospital stay. Explore the distinctions between UFE and hysterectomy to assist in deciding the most suitable treatment option for your situation.
One of the most common surgical treatment options is an hysterectomy. A hysterectomy is a more invasive and complicated procedure. It is major surgery that requires significant recovery time. Hysterectomy surgery removes not only the uterine fibroids but also the uterus itself.
Although hysterectomy surgery is the only permanent and guaranteed treatment option for uterine fibroids, most women want to avoid removal of the uterus if at all possible. They may wish to avoid major surgery, or they may be troubled by the thought of living without a uterus, or they may want to have a child or have additional children in the future. For many women, especially those who wish to preserve their fertility, hysterectomy surgery is a treatment of last resort, something they are willing to consider only if all other uterine fibroid treatments are unsuccessful.
Uterine fibroid embolization is a minimally invasive-image guided treatment for fibroids. It is performed as a same-day procedure and usually takes less than an hour to complete. During UFE, an interventional radiologist makes a small incision in the groin within the femoral artery. A thin catheter is inserted, and tiny particles are injected into the small blood vessels feeding the fibroids. The particles cut off blood flow, causing the fibroids to shrink
Which Fibroid Treatment is Right For You?
At Precision Vascular Kentucky, we believe that women should be informed of all available fibroid treatments. If you’re deciding between UFE and hysterectomy, there are a few important factors to consider. Since fibroids are benign tumors and often asymptomatic, invasive fibroid surgery is rarely ever necessary. Women who desire future pregnancy or want to keep their uterus should not undergo a hysterectomy.
Uterine fibroid embolization is a safe, effective, and less invasive treatment option for fibroids that preserves the uterus and ovaries while reducing painful and uncomfortable symptoms. UFE offers several benefits over a hysterectomy and other major surgeries. Around 85-90% who undergo the procedure experience significant improvement in their symptoms and overall quality of life. Schedule a consultation at Precision Vascular Kentucky if you are looking for a non-surgical treatment.