CJW now offers uterine fibroid embolization (UFE), a minimally invasive, non-operative alternative for some women suffering from uterine fibroids.

Uterine fibroids, shown below, are non-cancerous growths that develop in the muscle wall of the uterus. They can cause pain, heavy bleeding and infertility, and are the number-one cause for surgical removal of the uterus (hysterectomy) in the United States. A hysterectomy requires general anesthesia, a hospital stay of several days, and a four to six-week recovery period. 

Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) is performed by an interventional radiologist specially trained to perform minimally invasive procedures. While the patient is sedated but conscious, a tiny incision is made in the groin. A tiny tube, monitored by the physician using X-ray technology, is then inserted and guided painlessly to the uterus. Tiny plastic or gelatin particles are then injected into the artery that is supplying blood flow to the fibroid to cut off the blood flow. This causes the fibroid(s) to shrink, eliminating symptoms while sparing the uterus and ovaries. The procedure requires a hospital stay of 24 hours or less and a relatively short recovery time, with 90 percent of patients resuming normal activity within 10 to 14 days.

Dr. Efstathios Spinos, Chief of Radiology at CJW Medical Center, commented, "Uterine fibroid embolization can make a real difference in the lives of some patients suffering from symptomatic fibroids. By no means experimental, it is covered by most insurance companies, and the particles used in the procedure have been approved by the FDA. In fact, this exact procedure has been used for many years to successfully treat heavy bleeding after childbirth."

For more information, visit the Society of Interventional Radiology. Image reprinted with permission of the Society of Interventional Radiology.