An Alternative to Hysterectomy

Embolization is a newer approach for uterine fibroids

Active again—Hëlga Cury stays fit at the Human Performance Center in Allentown, now that a nonsurgical treatment for fibroids has restored her energy.

When Hëlga Cury was undergoing fertility testing four years ago, her gynecologist told her she had a uterine fibroid. The treatment for this common, noncancerous tumor was simple—watch and wait.

But two years later, the 45-year-old Emmaus woman started having problems. Her fibroid had grown to the size of a softball, causing heavy bleeding and severe cramping every month. Cury needed relief, but she wanted to avoid a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus). That would have been her only option in the past. Fortunately, the solution for Cury was a newer procedure called uterine fibroid embolization.

Some 40 percent of women over 35 have fibroids. While researchers don’t know exactly what causes them, they agree that hormones and genetics play key roles. “Two-thirds of women with fibroids don’t require treatment,” says gynecologist Joseph Patruno, M.D., of Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network. “A patient might seek treatment if she has heavy or irregular bleeding, the fibroid is causing pressure or problems with bowel or bladder function, or it seems to be growing rapidly.”

Embolization is performed by interventional radiologists, doctors who specialize in the use of nonsurgical techniques to treat a variety of disorders. To eliminate a fibroid, the radiologist injects tiny plastic particles through a catheter (tiny tube) directly into the arteries that supply the tumor. The particles cut off blood flow to the fibroid, causing it to shrink and die without harm to the uterus.

“Typically, we see a 90 percent reduction in abnormal bleeding and an 85 percent reduction in pain,” says Errin Hoffman, M.D., an interventional radiologist at the hospital. “You’re usually back to your normal activities in three to seven days.” Although the hour-long procedure is “minimally invasive” (nonsurgical), it does require an overnight hospital stay.

For many women, embolization is the perfect choice, easing painful symptoms more quickly and with less risk than surgery. Depending on the size and position of the fibroids, though, medication or surgery may be more appropriate. Talk to your doctor about all your options before making a decision.

Three months after her embolization, Cury’s symptoms had improved and she was no longer taking pain medication. “I was very tired due to so much blood loss every month,” she says. “My life is normal again.”

Want to Know More about interventional radiologists? Call 610-402-CARE or click here.

Published from Healthy You Magazine, July-August 2007

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