“WHAT IS THE ANSWER TO MY UTERINE FIBROID QUESTION?”  A PATIENT ASKS HER INTERVENTIONAL RADIOLOGIST AND GYNECOLOGIST

NOTE:  This is general information.  Each case must be evaluated on an individual basis as to which procedure holds the most benefits and risks, advantages and disadvantages.  The recovery period may vary depending on the woman's medical situation.  Refer to: Diagnosing Uterine Fibroid Tumors

Recovery is defined as the time until the patient can return to most normal activity. 

Myolysis - procedures that destroy the fibroids in the uterus without necessarily removing them.  Recovery period 1 - 2 weeks.

Myomacoagulation – Is a laparoscopic procedure using electric current that is applied to the uterine fibroid tumors. 

Cryomyolysis – A probe freezes the uterine fibroid tumors.            

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Endometrial Ablation  - destruction of the lining of the uterus, not to be used for women who might become pregnant.  Recovery period 1 - 3 days. 

Endometrial Ablation article about Novasure.  Refer to Paul Indman, M.D. web site on Ablation:            http://www.gynalternatives.com/ablation.htm   

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Uterine Artery Embolization (i.e. UFE) – a minimally invasive, short (under 1 hour), an effective treatment in which the uterus and fertility is preserved.  Recovery period 2 – 3 weeks.   

An effective therapy to treat all uterine fibroids simultaneously regardless of the uterine fibroid size or location. 

A permanent infarction of the uterine fibroids – they will not grow back. 

An effective therapy to control bleeding, bulk-related symptoms, and other related uterine fibroid symptoms.

A significant uterine volume reduction is realized as early as three months. 

This procedure does not require as much time off from work as other uterine fibroid procedures – shorter recovery time. 

Quality-of-life enhancement (both mentally and physically) is realized rapidly with this procedure. 

UAE procedure  | UAE Training Standards
Patient Discussion Guide | UAE medical illustrations
UAE Medical Articles | Questions to ask the IR

Refer to Robert Worthington-Kirsch, M.D. web site:  www.fibroidcorner.com

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Medical Therapy – drugs that can be used in the treatment of fibroids.  (More on Medical Therapy)

Birth-Control pills, Progestins -  (e.g. Megace(R), GnRH analogues  - (e.g. Lupron (R), RU-486 (experimental), and Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS) - (e.g. Motrin (R)) are some of the drugs used for this therapy.  The drugs can only be used for a certain timeframe and will not get rid of the uterine fibroids.  (Many women can stay on birth control pills until menopause.  The pills may control the bleeding, but don't make the fibroids go away.  The important attribute to this therapy is symptoms are controlled in the easiest possible way. - Paul Indman, M.D.) Fibroids:  Pregnancy & Contraception - Francis Hutchins, Jr., M.D.

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Watchful Waiting – No therapy is performed.  The doctor sees the patient every three to six months to check the growth of the uterus and uterine fibroids.  (Observation - Francis Hutchins, Jr., M.D.)

Refer to Paul Indman, M.D. web site: www.sexwithoutpain.com

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ExAblate - MR guided Focused Ultrasound surgery (To article)

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What is the VizAblate System (clinical trial)?

The VizAblate System uses an intrauterine ultrasound to determine where the fibroids are and then a flexible radiofrequency probe directed through the ultrasound guide to coagulate the fibroid.

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