Uterine Fibroid Embolization
Fibroid tumors are non-cancerous growths that develop in the muscular walls of the uterus. Usually occurring in women age 35 and older, fibroids can cause excessive menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, pressure and abnormally enlarged abdomen. They are usually discovered during a gynecological exam and treatment can range from prescription hormones to a surgical procedure called myomectomy. Other cases may require a hysterectomy.
Today, many women are candidates for a new procedure called uterine fibroid embolization. This may sometimes be referred to as uterine artery embolization as well. This is a minimally invasive procedure, which means it requires only a tiny nick in the skin and occurs while the patient is conscious but sedated. During fibroid embolization the physician makes a quarter-inch nick near the groin and inserts a catheter into an artery. This catheter is guided into the uterine artery using fluoroscopy (a moving x-ray image) to watch the progress. The physician injects tiny plastic particles the sizes of grains of sand into the artery that supplies the blood to the fibroid tumor. The particles flow to the fibroids first and wedge into the vessels and cannot travel to other parts of the body. This seals off the blood flow, like a cork, and causes the tumor (or tumors) to shrink and eventually disappear.
The procedure usually requires only one night’s hospital stay and is considered very safe. Unlike myomectomy or hysterectomy, it is minimally invasive so recovery time is much quicker. Many women resume light activity in a few days and the majority of women are able to return to normal activity within 7-10 days. For more information about UFE please visit the "patients and public" section of www.SIRWEB.ORG.
Pelvic Congestion Syndrome
Evaluation of pelvic congestion syndrome begins by discussing the patient's symptoms with her OB/GYN to rule out other sources of pain or inflammation. MIIGS physicians conduct a thorough assessment and use of imaging techniques such as MRI, Ultrasound, and pelvic vein x-ray with a contrast dye to assess the extent and location of abnormal veins.
Biopsies of Breast Masses
We offer state-of-the-art breast biopsy services.
