What Are Fibroids? Treatment by Dr.Sandeep Sharma
Fibroids, also known as leiomyomas of the uterus, are non-cancerous growths that commonly develop in women during their childbearing years. Despite being benign, fibroids can contribute to a significant disease burden, particularly among economically active women. Their symptoms arise from their size, blood supply, and impact on uterine function, especially contractility.
The primary symptoms of uterine fibroids include:
1. Bladder pressure: As fibroids enlarge, they may press against the bladder, causing symptoms like frequent urination.
2. Heavy menstrual bleeding: The increased vascularity of fibroids can lead to excessive bleeding during menstruation.
3. Menstrual pain: Fibroids can affect the uterine contractility, leading to painful menstrual cramps.
Despite their non-cancerous nature, these symptoms can significantly impact a woman’s quality of life and may necessitate treatment depending on the severity.
Incidence of Uterine Fibroid Embolisation (UFE)
The incidence of uterine fibroids varies across different populations and demographics, but it is recognized as one of the most common uterine tumors. Despite their prevalence, fibroids are almost always benign. Studies suggest that fibroids can affect anywhere from 25% to 70% of women at some point in their lives.
When fibroids become symptomatic, they can cause a range of issues, including:
Pressure on surrounding organs, such as the bladder or bowel.
Heavy menstrual bleeding.
Severe pelvic pain.
Infertility or recurrent miscarriages.
Uterine fibroids are especially prevalent among Black women, who are more likely to develop them than White women. However, fibroids are still common across all racial and ethnic groups. Most cases occur during the childbearing years, and fibroids can range in size from tiny, undetectable growths to large masses that can distort the shape of the uterus.
The impact of fibroids on a woman’s health can vary widely, and treatment options should be individualized based on symptoms, size, and other health factors.
UFE in comparison to other surgical methods of treatment
Traditionally, uterine fibroids have been treated through various surgical methods, the most common and invasive being hysterectomy, which involves the complete removal of the uterus. This ancient approach has long been the default for managing severe fibroid symptoms. Hysterectomy can be performed through different methods, including trans-abdominal, trans-vaginal, or laparoscopic* procedures. However, all of these approaches result in the partial or total removal of the uterus.
In addition to hysterectomy, there is myomectomy, a surgical option that removes only the fibroids while leaving the uterus intact. This procedure can also be performed through different techniques such as abdominal, laparoscopic, or robotic myomectomy. Despite being less radical than hysterectomy, myomectomy still involves significant surgery, with potential complications and recovery time.
In stark contrast, Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) offers a non-surgical, uterus-sparing alternative. Instead of removing the fibroid or uterus, UFE works by blocking the blood supply to the fibroid. During the procedure, a tiny pinprick is made in the groin, and a catheter is inserted into the uterine arteries. Small particles called BVA particles are injected to block the blood flow to the fibroids, causing them to shrink over time. This innovative treatment preserves the uterus, offering women a minimally invasive option that avoids the trauma and long recovery associated with surgery.
UFE challenges the traditional surgical mindset, providing a highly effective treatment that maintains the integrity of the uterus, supporting not only physical health but also the emotional and psychological aspects of womanhood.
Success Rate of UFE
It sounds like you’re explaining the process of Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) in a concise and professional manner. Here’s a refined version of what you might say:
Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat fibroids. Through a small pinprick, a catheter is inserted into the uterine artery. We then release small particles, called polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) particles, which block the blood supply to the fibroids, causing them to shrink.
Since fibroids rely on a high blood flow, cutting off their supply leads to their gradual reduction in size. Over time, most patients — around 90–95% — experience significant relief from symptoms, with results lasting for at least five years.”
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