Uterine fibroids are a common health issue among women of reproductive age, with estimates suggesting that up to 70% of women may develop these non-cancerous growths in their uterus, especially after the age of 50. While many women may not experience any symptoms or require treatment, others may experience heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, and discomfort during sexual activities, among other issues.
For those who do require treatment, there are several options available. One of these is uterine fibroid embolization (UFE), a 3-D precision-guided, minimally invasive painless procedure that involves blocking the blood supply to the fibroids, causing them to shrink and eventually die off. However, there is a common misconception that UFE is a type of laser treatment, when in fact, it is not.
Uterine fibroid embolization and laser treatment are two different procedures used to treat different types of medical conditions.
Uterine fibroid embolization procedure:
Uterine fibroid embolization is a 3-D precision-guided painless procedure. The UFE procedure is performed without any incisions, cuts, or stitches, unlike traditional myomectomy. Firstly, the skin over the right groin is desensitized using an anesthetic spray. Following that, approximately 10 CCs of 1% lidocaine, a local anesthetic, is injected into the soft tissues via the skin to ensure adequate desensitization of the entire area. Tiny particles are then injected into the blood vessels using a small catheter, which is inserted through the skin and threaded up to the blood vessels that supply the fibroids. This process blocks the flow of blood, causing the fibroids to shrink.
Uterine fibroid embolization is a safe and effective treatment option for women with uterine fibroids. There are several benefits of UFE when compared to traditional surgical options like hysterectomy or myomectomy.
In this treatment, pain management is the key which is achieved through superior hypogastric nerve plexus block. This is done by injecting medications onto a bundle of nerves, called the hypogastric plexus, near the bottom of one’s spine. When these nerves are blocked, they stop carrying information about pain in your pelvic area, which numbs the pain, making it easier to manage.
UFE is a minimally invasive 3-D precision-guided procedure that doesn’t involve any surgical incision or sutures. This minimizes the risk of complications and reduces the overall invasiveness of the treatment. This procedure has exclusively been introduced in Pakistan by Dr. Imtiaz Ahmad, and to date, thousands of patients have successfully been treated with more currently in treatment.
UFE typically results in a shorter recovery time compared to traditional surgical options. This means that women can return to their normal activities more quickly, usually the same day, after undergoing the procedure.
Furthermore, UFE does not require the removal of the uterus or any surrounding tissue, which can help preserve fertility in younger women who may wish to conceive in the future. This aspect of UFE makes it an attractive option for women who desire to preserve their reproductive capabilities.
UFE is not laser treatment and involves a different approach to treating fibroids. On the other hand laser treatment, also known as laser ablation or laser surgery, involves the use of a focused beam of light to remove tissue. While laser treatment may be used for some gynecological conditions, such as the removal of precancerous cervical tissue, it is not typically used to treat uterine fibroids.
The key difference between UFE and laser treatment is the method used to treat the condition. UFE involves blocking the blood supply to the fibroids, causing them to shrink, while laser treatment involves using a focused beam of light to destroy the tissue.
Uterine fibroid embolization recovery time:
The recovery time for uterine fibroid embolization is very short. Many females are completely fine within an hour of the procedure and are expected to resume their routine activities the same day. Some females may require one day of observation and can then continue their normal life without any complications. In comparison, a conventional myomectomy is a lengthy and complicated procedure that requires weeks of rest and has a prolonged recovery period.
The success rate of uterine fibroid embolization:
The success rate is high, as evidenced by many uterine fibroid embolization success stories. According to a study, up to 97% of patients were satisfied with UFE. About 83% to 92% experienced improvement in heavy bleeding, up to 79% of patients had pain symptoms alleviated, and 92% of patients had improvement in other symptoms of fibroids.
It is important to note that the success of the UFE procedure is directly related to the symptoms caused by fibroids, rather than their size. The two major symptoms that should improve after the procedure are pain and bleeding. The uterus is an important organ in the body. The common perception among people is that if their family is complete, then a myomectomy can be performed. However, UFE is a procedure that successfully preserves the uterus for all females.
Women who are pregnant or wish to become pregnant in the future should consult a specialist, such as an interventional radiologist, who can provide guidance on this procedure and discuss a plan accordingly.
Dr. Imtiaz Ahmad is an experienced Endovascular Surgical Specialist and Interventional Radiologist who has extensive experience in treating fibroids via a minimally invasive approach. His other areas of expertise include minimally invasive treatment of adenomyosis, polyps, and pelvic congestion syndrome. He also specializes in varicocele/venous leak issues, spider/varicose veins in males, obesity, and weight loss concerns.
References:
1. Baird, D. D., Dunson, D. B., Hill, M. C., Cousins, D., & Schectman, J. M. (2017). Epidemiology of uterine fibroids: a systematic review. BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, 124(10), 1501-1512. doi: 10.1111/1471-0528.14640.
2. Raikhlin A, Baerlocher MO, Asch MR. Uterine fibroid embolization: CME update for family physicians. Can Fam Physician. 2007 Feb;53(2):250-6. PMID: 17872642; PMCID: PMC1949124.
Consult Dr. Imtiaz Ahmad for the treatment of fibroids via uterine fibroid embolization in Lahore and Karachi. For further contact, email us at info@drimtiazahmad.com. Follow us on Instagram @Profdr_imtiaz_ahmad for more information and daily updates.
1-حمید لطیف ھسپتال
نیو ٹاور چھٹی منزل
Hameed Latif Hospital
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