Newswise — Condolezza Rice, the next U.S. secretary of state, will undergo uterine fibroid embolization at a Washington hospital today (Nov. 19), officials have announced.
A relatively new, noninvasive procedure to treat uterine fibroids--painful, non-cancerous tumors of the uterus--uterine fibroid embolization is an alternative to medication or surgery.
Fibroid embolization is performed by an interventional radiologist rather than a surgeon. During the procedure, the radiologist makes a small nick at the top of the patient's leg and inserts a catheter into the artery; he then directs the catheter to the uterus using X-ray imaging. Once the fibroids are located within the uterus, small gelatin sponge particles —about the size of grains of sand " are injected into them. The grains cut off blood supply to the tumors, which shrink over a period of months. The uterus and ovaries are not affected.
Dr. Kirke Bieneman is an interventional radiologist at the Saint Louis University School of Medicine. He believes the procedure offers a real alternative to women whose fibroids can't be treated by medication or are reluctant to have surgery.
"This is a good choice for women who don't want to undergo a hysterectomy or myomectomy," he said. "Patients remain conscious throughout the procedure, and only a mild sedative and local anesthetic are required. There typically are few side effects, such as fever and cramping."
Dr. Bieneman said patients who undergo fibroid embolization typically stay in the hospital for a day or two and are back to work within a week of having the procedure.
"I tell patients that if they have the procedure on a Tuesday or a Wednesday, they can expect to be back at work the following Monday," he said.
The first step for women suffering from uterine fibroids is to discuss the range of possible treatments with their doctors.
"It is not the right treatment for everyone," Dr. Bieneman said. "Women should consult with their gynecologist(s) to determine whether this is the appropriate treatment."
RSS