Uterine Fibroid Embolization Treatment in Houston, TX

Your Answer Goes HeUterine fibroids are benign (non-cancerous) muscle and connective tissue growths that develop within or on the uterine wall. Most fibroids do not turn cancerous, and their sizes can vary from very small to large enough to distort the uterus.

The cause of fibroids is unknown. Researchers believe that estrogen and progesterone levels can play a part in their development. They know when hormone levels are high, for example during pregnancy, fibroids can grow more rapidly. Alternatively, if someone is taking anti-hormone medication, or going through menopause, fibroids may stop growing or shrink. Family history is also thought to be one of the biggest factors in the development of fibroids

While fibroids can be asymptomatic, they may cause symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, frequent urination, constipation, back or leg pain, and abdominal swelling. The severity of symptoms varies depending on the size, number, and location of the fibroids.

Fibroids are almost always benign (not cancerous). Rarely, a leiomyosarcoma will occur in women with fibroid tumors. However, doctors think these cancers do not arise from an already-existing fibroid.  Having fibroids does not increase your risk of developing a cancerous fibroid. Having fibroids also does not increase your chances of getting other forms of cancer in the uterus.

Small or medium-sized fibroids without symptoms typically do not significantly threaten a pregnancy’s health. Nevertheless, it’s important to note that during pregnancy, the surge in hormonal levels and the increase in blood circulation to the uterus may lead to the growth of fibroids. This growth can result in discomfort, pressure, or pain due to the fibroids.

Moreover, the existence of larger or numerous fibroids can elevate certain risks associated with pregnancy, including:

• Cesarean Section: Women with fibroids have an increased likelihood, nearly six times greater, of requiring a C-section.
• Breech Birth: The baby might settle in a feet-first position for delivery, instead of the normal head-first position.
• Placental Abruption: This condition occurs when the placenta detaches from the uterine wall prematurely, which may compromise the oxygen supply to the fetus.
• Preterm Birth: Fibroids can sometimes contribute to the early delivery of the baby, before 37 weeks of gestation.

If you’re expecting and have been diagnosed with fibroids, it is essential to communicate with your obstetrician. While fibroids are a common condition that most OBs are well-equipped to handle, they can still influence the course of your pregnancy. The vast majority of women with fibroids can have a healthy pregnancy without needing a specialist in high-risk pregnancies. Coastal Vascular Center is dedicated to supporting and guiding expectant mothers with fibroids to ensure a safe and healthy pregnancy journey.

Treatment for fibroids depends on the severity of symptoms and individual circumstances. Options range from medications to manage hormone levels, non-invasive procedures like uterine fibroid embolization (UFE), to surgeries such as myomectomy or hysterectomy.

Not necessarily. Asymptomatic fibroids often do not require treatment and can be monitored over time. Women with mild symptoms may receive hormonal therapy or lifestyle recommendations to manage them. Severe symptoms may necessitate surgical or procedural interventions.

Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) is a minimally invasive medical procedure used to treat uterine fibroids, which are benign uterine growths. UFE works by blocking the blood supply to the fibroids, causing them to shrink and ultimately improving symptoms. The procedure involves inserting a catheter through the groin into the uterine artery and then releasing tiny particles, known as embolic agents, to obstruct the blood vessels feeding the fibroids. As a result, the fibroids receive no oxygen or nutrients, leading to their shrinkage. An interventional radiologist performs this procedure and offers patients shorter recovery times and a less invasive option than traditional surgery.

Benefits of uterine fibroid embolization include:

• Effective alternative to surgery and hormonal treatment
• Completely noninvasive — no surgery and no blood loss
• Minimal hospital stay
• Quick return to normal activities
• Preserves the uterus, cervix, and ovaries
• Significant improvement in quality of life:
• Decrease in menstrual bleeding from symptomatic fibroids
• Decrease in urinary dysfunction, pelvic pain and/or pressure

Yes, there are risks associated with Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE). Although UFE is generally safe and effective, potential risks include:

• Infection: There’s a risk of developing an infection in the uterus or at the site where the catheter was inserted. Infections can range from minor to severe and may require additional treatment.
• Vascular Damage: Injury to the arterial wall can occur during the introduction or manipulation of the catheter, a small plastic tube, potentially leading to further complications.
• Ischemic Complications: These can include pelvic pain, fever, nausea, vomiting, and fibroid sloughing (the process where parts of the fibroid break off into the uterine cavity). While fever resulting from tissue breakdown of the fibroid is expected, fever associated with chills or one that doesn’t respond to common over-the-counter medications could be concerning.

It’s important for patients to discuss all potential risks with their healthcare provider before opting for UFE to ensure they make an informed decision.

Radiofrequency ablation is an FDA-approved surgical procedure. It aims to treat fibroids with a minimally invasive outpatient procedure effectively.

This uses radiofrequency energy to heat fibroid tissue and cause instantaneous cell death. The necrotic cells are then reabsorbed by the lymphatic system, decreasing fibroid size and symptom relief.

Treatment often succeeds in addressing fibroids and providing relief. However, more fibroids may eventually grow. These fibroids may cause symptoms and require additional care.

The potential for fibroids to return happens with all treatments except hysterectomy. During a hysterectomy, surgeons remove the entire uterus.

Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) is markedly different from traditional surgical treatments for uterine fibroids, such as hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) or myomectomy (removal of fibroids while preserving the uterus). The differentiation fundamentally lies in the approach and the physical aftermath for the patient.

Firstly, UFE is a minimally invasive fibroid treatment that requires only a small incision, typically in the groin or wrist, in contrast to the larger abdominal incisions required by traditional surgeries like hysterectomy or myomectomy. This distinction significantly impacts the patient’s recovery process and physical strain.

Secondly, the minimally invasive nature of UFE means patients typically experience less pain and a shorter recovery time than those undergoing traditional surgeries. While a hysterectomy, for example, can require a recovery period of up to 8 weeks, during which physical activities are severely limited, UFE offers a quicker route back to normal activities.

Moreover, traditional surgeries like hysterectomy involve the removal of the uterus, which is a major procedure with significant implications, including the inability to bear children and potential hormonal changes. In contrast, UFE preserves the uterus and potentially the fertility of the patient, offering a significant advantage to women who may wish to conceive in the future or prefer to keep their uterus for other reasons.

In summary, UFE provides a less invasive alternative to traditional surgery for the treatment of uterine fibroids, characterized by smaller incisions, less pain, a quicker return to normal activities, and preservation of the uterus, making it an attractive option for many women.