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Two New Alternatives to Hysterectomy Uterine Artery Embolization and MRI Guided Ultrasound Therapy

Alternative to Hysterectomy for Woman with Fibroids

Hope exists for patients suffering from fibroids. Two new procedures are rapidly becoming more widely available, called uterine artery embolization or UAE, which cuts off the blood supply to benign tumors such as fibroids, and MRI-guided ultrasound therapy which uses MRI images to guide a focused ultrasound wave to destroy the fibroid tumor.

The new uterine artery embolization is a benefit because it may help some women avoid a complete hysterectomy. It also provides relief from the symptoms of fibroids such as pain and bleeding. This new therapy has traditionally been considered suitable for women who are done having children. Recent studies however suggest that women can conceive and even carry a child to term following a UAE procedure.

The new MRI-guided ultrasound therapy may significantly improve uterine fibroid symptoms in women. The symptoms of pain and bleeding, improved as much as 80% after treatment with ultrasound destruction of the fibroids. Most women undergoing treatment would have otherwise required a hysterectomy, where the uterus is completely removed.

The benefits of less invasive surgery for uterine fibroids are welcome alternatives to hysterectomy.

Overview of Uterine Fibroids
What are uterine fibroids? They are benign tumors that exist within the uterus. Though they are non cancerous, they can cause many uncomfortable symptoms including excessive bleeding during and between periods, pressure on the bladder and rectum and discomfort during sexual relations.

For some women fibroids may also interfere with fertility. The symptoms of fibroids vary from woman to woman, and can be mild or disabling in nature.

There is evidence to suggest that the tendency to form fibroids is largely inherited. The degree to which a woman experiences mild to disabling symptoms will depend on a number of factors such as the size and location of the fibroids.

Increased estrogen levels may contribute to a woman's risks for growth of fibroids.

Uterine fibroids affect about 20%-40% of women over the age of 35 in the United States alone. Generally half of all women diagnosed will exhibit some symptoms.

Treatment Options for Fibroid Tumors
Uterine artery embolization is now recognized as a solid alternative to hysterectomy for women with symptomatic fibroids. The UAE procedure is a reasonable option for women, particularly young women in their mid 20s that are interested in having a family.

The UAE procedure is performed under an anesthetic. A catheter is passed through the femoral artery in the leg and guided near the uterine fibroid. A foam material is infused in the artery supplying blood to the fibroid tumor until the flow of blood stops. Following the procedure it is common to have some pelvic pain and cramping for 48 hours.

After the UAE procedure is performed, your previous symptoms of pelvic pain and bleeding will resolve.

The new MRI-guided ultrasound therapy significantly improves uterine fibroid symptoms and improves the quality of life in women, who would have otherwise been offered a hysterectomy (surgical removal of the uterus). The procedure is performed by using MRI to guide the sound waves from the ultrasound directly to the fibroid tumor. Focused ultrasound destroys the fibroid tissue. The procedure is completely non-invasive and can be done as an outpatient procedure. In addition the whole process is very safe with very few side effects.

Even small fibroids can cause severe symptoms in some women, particularly if they are located in a highly sensitive area. The decision to treat fibroids lies in your hands, as a patient.

If you feel that your symptoms are severe enough to warrant treatment, seek out the advice and care of a qualified health professional. Fibroids can be diagnosed via a complete clinical history, physical exam, pelvic ultrasound, MRI or laparoscopy.

Related:
http://www.acog.org/from_home/publications/press_releases/nr12-29-04.cfm