New options for uterine fibroid treatment
An avid horseback rider, snow and water skier, and all-around active person, Carol Magown of Shamong was not about to let
uterine fibroids keep her from enjoying the things she loves. After weighing all her treatment options, which included total hysterectomy, she decided on
uterine artery embolization, a relatively new procedure.
What are uterine fibroids?
What is uterine artery embolization?
The treatment details
Two years later
What are uterine fibroids?
Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous tumors that develop on or in the uterus. They can be as small as a pea or as large as a grapefruit. They're fairly common but usually develop in women over age 30. They tend to occur more frequently as women get older. The most common symptoms are unusually long or heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pressure or discomfort, and increased menstrual cramps.
As an experienced nurse, she carefully researched treatment options and learned
through a friend about a new procedure for treating uterine fibroids — uterine artery embolization. "After discussing all my treatment options with my gynecologist, I decided this procedure best met my needs," said Magown.
What is uterine artery embolization?
Uterine artery embolization is a minimally invasive procedure that is performed under light sedation by an interventional radiologist. "A catheter is inserted in the groin through a small incision in the skin. Once inserted, the catheter is guided to the uterine artery and tiny pellets are injected and carried by blood flow to the fibroids," explained
Paul Curtis, MD, Virtua Health interventional radiologist. "These pellets lodge in the small arteries that feed the fibroids and block their blood supply. Without blood, the fibroid tissue dies and shrinks." The entire procedure takes about one hour.
The treatment details
Patients are required to stay overnight in the hospital after the surgery and may experience moderate cramping or abdominal pain that can be managed with medication. "One of the greatest benefits of this procedure is that patients can usually resume normal activities within a week," states Dr. Curtis, who has performed more than 100 uterine artery embolization procedures over the last three years. This was a key selling point for Magown, who didn't want to take off six to eight weeks from work to recover from a hysterectomy.
According to the Society for Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology, studies show that 78 to 94% of women who have the procedure experience significant or total relief from heavy bleeding, pain and other symptoms. And, recurrence is very rare.
Two years later
It's been almost two years since Magown was treated for uterine fibroids and since then, she hasn't experienced any symptoms. "I would definitely recommend this as an option for women considering treatment for uterine fibroids," states Magown.
"If you suffer with uterine fibroids, talk with your gynecologist to see if uterine artery embolization is an appropriate treatment option for you," notes Dr. Curtis. "It's best to explore all of your options and choose the procedure that best meets all of your needs." To make an appointment with a Virtua physician, call
1-888-Virtua-3.