Uterine Fibroid Embolisation

KEYHOLE SURGERY WITH X–RAY VISION

MORE EXPERIENCE has been gained in other forms of treatment, as more and more women start to oppose hysterectomy – the mainstream treatment for symptomatic fibroids. While first Uterine Fibroid Embolisation was deemed ‘experimental’, this is now far from the truth !
UFE is now replacing hysterectomy for an increasing number of women.
It isn’t always made available to patients, for various reasons. Not a lot of referring doctors and gynaecologists know enough about this option, so sometimes patients need to ‘educate’ their doctor.

This chapter is meant to inform both referring doctors and patients, and is a compilation of patient histories and other published scientific studies around this procedure as well as my personal experience as a patient.

I found a cure in this procedure. And I was quite astounded that it was so easy, as I had already reluctantly come to terms with the probability of needing hysterectomy surgery.
And as with so many ‘simple solutions’, I was not informed about it by any physician that I had consulted – nor was I supported in my choice by any of the gynaecologists. Unfortunately this seems not an exception.

Therefore, this chapter is quite extensive; I read everything there is to know about fibroid embolisation – and the evidence is clear that it is a viable option, in spite of what your gynaecologist may tell you, or what my personal experiences are for that matter. Next to a compilation of scientific medical information, I do give my personal view on some alleged uncertainties around this procedure, that often for legality reasons physicians have to be very careful making statements about.

Personally, I would wholeheartedly recommend this procedure to any woman with symptomatic fibroids. As you will read here, there are very few contraindications.

Summary

The Fibroid Embolisation Procedure

UFE is giving women an important, minimally invasive treatment option to hysterectomy and other invasive surgeries. The procedure is approximately 90% successful at alleviating the heavy bleeding and painful periods associated with fibroids.
The complete UFE procedure is described, with explanatory pictures –
with an overview of the advantages compared to surgery. Read more...

Healing Process

Describes in detail what happens to the fibroids and the uterus after the procedure – and what to expect during recovery.
Recovery is much more rapid than after surgery.
Read more...

Who is a Candidate for UFE

Women with symptomatic uterine fibroids, who desire to avoid hysterectomy or repeated myomectomy, should certainly look into the possibility of fibroid embolisation. It may also be an alternative to myomectomy in restoring or preserving fertility.
The size of fibroids and uterus does not have to be a contra indication; symptom relief is the most important outcome measure, and seems to be largely independent of the degree of volume reduction of fibroids and uterus. Only severe pressure symptoms caused by a big fibroid seems to be the main real limitation for choosing UFE; when the fibroid might not shrink quickly enough to eliminate pressure on important pelvic structures. Contrary to myomectomy,each and every fibroid is treated with UFE – even the smallest.
Read more...

Complications and Side Effects – Compared to other treatment

A complete overview of every side effect and complication of fibroid embolisation – and comparisons with other treatment options.
In the absence of risk factors associated with surgery, UFE is considered to be very safe. Complication rate is much lower than with any other treatment, and recovery is much more rapid than with any type of surgery.US studies have put the complication rate at just 11 % for UFE, compared to a 25% rate for Myomectomy surgery.
Described is in detail the management of the main side effect; post-procedural pain. Read more...

UFE and Sexual Function

Fibroid embolisation does not cause sexual dysfunction and may even result in improvement of sexual function. It has been long known that after hysterectomy quite a few women experience sexual and/or emotional difficulties to some degree, from a decline in desire to even loss of orgasm. The important difference after embolisation is that the uterus is restored to normal function with a minimal impact on the tissues. But, what exactly is the function of the uterus other than for baring children... Read more...

What other Patients say

"I couldn't believe my first period. I only used one pack of pads compared to the five or six I would use before. No more clotting, no more cramping and no heavy bleeding.”
“If I had one thing to say to other women having this problem it would be: don't be afraid. This will make the quality of your life much better."
Read more...

Interventional Radiology

Interventional radiology procedures are a major advance in medicine that replace open surgical procedures. They involve no general anaesthetics, no large incision, less risk, less pain and a shorter recovery time. Explained is the use of different materials for blocking blood flow to the fibroids and about the X-rays used with the procedure.
The cost aspect of this procedure is favourable.
Also discussed is the role of gynaecologists.
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Answers to FAQ

If you read this chapter in sequence, it will answer most of your questions. If still more questions remain, you can Email them to us or talk to your Interventional Radiologist. We will try and keep this FAQ section up to date by adding answers to recurring questions. More Q&A can be found on the Forum page.
In short, there are very few limitations to justify postponement for undergoing this treatment.

Where to find an Interventional Radiologist

A list of Interventional Radiologists with an interest in fibroid embolisation, in the big cities in Australia. With links to other countries.Read more...

Recent Press Releases about UFE

Up to date information about Fibroid Embolisation:

–– “Most UFE patients not referred by gynaecologist” – American 2002 publication. 
––  An article about UFE and this FibroidSolutions website has been published in the 2004 May issue of Good Medicine : Containing an interview with Professor Ken Thomson – Director of Radiology at the Alfred Hospital in Melbourne, and the leading interventional radiologist in Australia. And describing this author’s own experiences as a patient.
Read more...