The current medical literature and the preferences of women reflect a trend toward alternatives to abdominal hysterectomy for the treatment of fibroids which are causing problems. In most cases hysterectomy should not be the first treatment choice for fibroids. Women are demanding other options than hysterectomy. Samaritan Hospital is offering an option other than a hysterectomy for the treatment of fibroids. A number of social and medical changes have motivated women to seek alternate approaches to the treatment of uterine fibroids. Efforts to reduce the record number of hysterectomies, the desire of women for conservative therapy and increasing attention to rising health care costs have stimulated this development. The availability of new surgical instruments now allows women to explore treatment options that were never before available.

Fibroids incur over $1 billion dollars annually in health care costs in the United States. Fibroids are the most common problem of the female reproductive system, worldwide and the most common indication for hysterectomy. Most women in the United States have or will have fibroids. Thirty percent (30%) of all hysterectomies are performed for fibroids. The 125,000 to 175,000 hysterectomies performed annually in the United States for fibroids result in direct cost of in-patient care in excess of $1 billion dollars. This figure does not include the costs of patient consultations and disabilities related to uterine fibroids.

During an embolization the blood supply to the fibroid is blocked so that over time the fibroid shrinks. This procedure is performed by a physician that specializes in Radiology, an Interventional Radiologist, after the patient has been examined and evaluated by a Gynecologist. The Interventional Radiologist uses x - rays (Angiography) to visualize the blood supply to the uterus. Once the fibroids' blood supply is identified, the radiologist uses microscopic particles to occlude these vessels, thus preventing the fibroid from receiving the constant blood supply they require.

UTERINE FIBROID EMBOLIZATION

During arterial embolization, a catheter is threaded up the femoral artery to the uterine artery, which supplies 90% of the blood to the uterus. Substances are then injected into the uterine artery that inhibit blood flow to the artery; the result is shrinkage of uterine fibroids.

UAE is performed by an interventional radiologist (click here to view physicians profile) under fluoroscopic guidance. This procedure is performed under local anesthesia, lidocaine is given to numb the groin area. The radiologist inserts a small needle into the artery in your groin and then places a thin plastic catheter into the main arteries supplying the uterus. Microscopic particles called Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) are injected through the catheter to occlude the blood vessels supplying the fibroid. During this process, the radiologist injects contrast dye to help show the vessels with x - rays. When the procedure is completed, the radiologis will remove the catheter and apply pressure to the pincture site in the groin area.

The radiology nurse monitors the patient in the holding area until a bed is available. In the majority of patients, there will be some pelvic pain and cramping during the first 6- 10 hours following the procedure. The is caused by the fibroids suddenly losing blood supply. Warm packs and intravenous medications are given as needed for pain. Patients are required to lie flat for 5 - 6 hours afterwards so that the artery where the puncture was made can seal. Some patients may be able to go home six to eight hours after the procedure is completed. However, symptoms such as severe pain or fever may necessitate a slightly longer stay. Should severe pain result, an anesthesiologist will be consulted and will provide pain management.

• For more information about Samaritan's newest Uterine Fibroid Treatment or to locate a Samaritan physician, please call Samaritan Hospital at 1-800-265-8624

Who is a good candidate for this procedure?