11 Ene 2016
EmbolizationWhat is Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE)?
Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) is a minimally invasive treatment for fibroid tumors of the uterus. physicians use an x-ray camera called a fluoroscope to guide the delivery of small particles to the uterus and fibroids. The small particles are injected through a thin, flexible tube called a catheter. These block the arteries that provide blood flow, causing the fibroids to shrink. They stop causing symptoms in women and allowed let them preserve their uterus.
The UFE is performed by an interventional radiologist.
During the procedure, you will be awake but yow won’t feel pain. (This is called conscious sedation.) The procedure takes about 45 to 60 minutes.
Procedure
The procedure is usually done this way:
-You will receive a sedative, a medicine that will relax you and make you sleepy.
-A local anesthetic (pain reliever) will be applied to the skin around your groin, which will numb the area so you don't feel pain.
-The radiologist will make a 3-mm-long incision (cut) in the skin, and then insert a catheter (a thin tube) into the femoral artery. This artery is in the upper part of the leg. The radiologist will then pass the catheter into the uterine artery that supplies blood to the uterus.
-Small plastic or jelly particles will be injected through the catheter into the blood vessels that supply the fibroids with blood. These particles will block the blood supply to the tiny arteries that carry blood to the fibroids. Without this blood supply, fibroids shrink and then lose vitality.
-Uterine artery embolization will be done on both the left and right uterine arteries, using only one incision (cut). If necessary, multiple fibroids can be treated.
The uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) has the endorsement of all the Gynecology Societies in the World as well as the Federal Drugs Administration in the United States of America and the Secretary of Health in Mexico.
If you have insurance for major medical expenses, you can complete your treatment authorization process. Your insurer will agree to authorize your treatment, since uterine fibroid embolization is the safe and efficient alternative to fibroid surgery.
Dr Jose Juan Galaviz Oropeza
Radiology & Radiological Interventionism