Treating Fibroids with Interventional Radiology

What Are Fibroids?

Fibroids are non-cancerous tumors that grow in the uterus. They're usually found on the outside of the uterus, but can also grow inside it.Fibroids are often symptomless and don't need treatment unless they cause problems like heavy bleeding or pain during sex or urination.

About half of all women have fibroids by age 50; however, most never experience any symptoms from them and may not even know they have them until they undergo a pelvic exam or an ultrasound during pregnancy.

Diagnosing Fibroids

Fibroids are abnormal growths in the uterus that can cause a variety of symptoms. The most common sign is heavy bleeding, but other symptoms include pain in the lower abdomen or pelvic area, frequent urination, constipation and diarrhea.

If you have any of these signs or symptoms it's important to see your doctor right away so they can determine if you have fibroids by performing an imaging test such as an ultrasound or MRI scan. An experienced radiologist will be able to diagnose whether or not you have fibroids based on their appearance on these scans as well as any abnormalities seen in blood vessels near the tumor itself.

Treating Fibroids with Interventional Radiology

Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE)
This procedure involves injecting tiny particles into the uterine artery to block blood flow to the fibroid. It can be done in an outpatient setting and is typically done under general anesthesia or with sedation.

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
RFA uses heat from radio waves to destroy tissue inside your uterus without damaging surrounding organs or structures. It's usually performed on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia or with sedation, but some patients do not require any anesthesia at all if they have mild pain associated with their fibroids. The procedure takes about 30 minutes per side (two sides total). You'll need someone to drive you home after treatment because it's likely that you'll feel dizzy after waking up from general anesthesia!

Benefits of Interventional Radiology for Treating Fibroids

• Minimally Invasive

• Short Recovery Time

• High Success Rate

Preparing for an Interventional Radiology Procedure

• Talk with your doctor about the procedure and ask any questions you may have.

• You will likely need to undergo some pre-procedure tests, such as blood work and an ultrasound of your uterus.

• Stop taking certain medications prior to having an interventional radiology procedure.

Recovery After an Interventional Radiology Procedure

• Rest and Recovery

• Follow-up Appointments*

  *It's important to follow up with your doctor after a procedure. Your doctor will want to see how you are doing, check for signs of infection, and make sure that the fibroid has been removed completely. If there are any complications or concerns about the procedure, he or she will discuss them with you at this time.

The Cost of Interventional Radiology for Treating Fibroids

When you're looking at the cost of treating fibroids with interventional radiology, it's important to know that insurance coverage can vary. If you have a high-deductible health plan or are paying out of pocket for your care, it may be worthwhile to check with your insurance provider about whether they will cover the procedure.
If you have any other questions, please contact our office at (212) 991-9991.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Interventional radiology is a safe and effective treatment option for fibroids. It can be used to treat the symptoms of uterine fibroids, including bleeding and pain. It also helps to reduce the size of your fibroid tumors so that you can feel better and live a more normal life. Contact us to schedule your first appointment today!