Uterine Fibroid Treatment by VasCare | UFE
UFE Relief Beyond Surgery
VasCare’s Minimally Invasive Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) Treatment for Symptomatic Fibroids.
As many as 70% of women will develop noncancerous tumors in the uterus known as fibroids during their reproductive years. Often, these growths will cause no symptoms, but when they do they can include heavy menstrual bleeding, prolonged periods, and pelvic pain.
If you’re suffering from symptomatic fibroids, VasCare can treat them with a minimally invasive outpatient procedure known as UFE. With our state-of-the-art facilities and radial access technique for faster recovery, we are the only outpatient UFE practitioners in Corpus Christi.
Are You a Candidate? Take the Assessment.
What are Uterine Fibroids?
Uterine fibroids, predominantly non-cancerous growths within the uterus, can lead to a variety of painful symptoms, such as abdominal pain, excessive menstrual bleeding, bloating, and even fertility issues. Non-reproductive symptoms such as frequent urination and constipation are also common due to mass effect. A condition that occurs when the fibroids grow large enough to put pressure on nearby organs such as the bladder and rectum. These symptoms can hinder your daily activities, underscoring the importance of finding a dependable and effective treatment solution.
Transcript
Types of Fibroids
Fibroids are classified based on their location on the uterus, and it’s common for women to have multiple types at once, complicating diagnosis and treatment. The main types include:
Subserosal Fibroids
Submucosal Fibroids
Intramural Fibroids
Pedunculated Fibroids
What are the Symptoms of Fibroids? How Can I Tell If I Have Fibroids?
Many individuals with uterine fibroids may not realize they have them due to minimal or non-existent symptoms. Nonetheless, it’s important to recognize potential signs, which include:
Excessive Menstrual Bleeding
Pelvic Pain and Pressure
Urinary Issues
The proximity of the uterus to the bladder means that an enlarged uterus can press against the bladder, leading to frequent urination and urinary incontinence or the unintended release of urine.
Digestive Discomfort
UFE Benefits & Procedures
UFE vs Hysterectomy vs Myomectomy
What Is a UFE?
Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) is a method of treating fibroids by depriving them of nutrients by cutting off their blood supply. This is done in an outpatient procedure via a catheter inserted through a blood vessel guided by X-ray, where it releases embolizing agents to inhibit blood flow to the fibroids. The fibroids then begin to shrink over the ensuing weeks and months after the treatment. The uterus’ blood supply is left unimpeded and the uterus itself is preserved. UFE is a less invasive and safer treatment option in women than a myomectomy.
What Is a Hysterectomy?
A hysterectomy is surgical removal of all or part of the uterus. Fibroids are a common reason for hysterectomy recommendations, although uterine prolapse, cancer, and chronic pelvic pain are other conditions for which doctors use hysterectomy as a treatment. Hysterectomy for fibroids may be either partial (supracervical), in which just the upper part of the uterus is removed but the cervix is left in place, or total, in which both are fully removed. The fallopian tubes and ovaries are sometimes removed, as well.
What Is a Myomectomy?
A myomectomy is a surgery specifically designed to remove uterine fibroids. A myomectomy can be a major surgery that can require hospitalization. There are three types of myomectomies: abdominal or “open,” laparoscopic or hysteroscopic. With any surgery, there is a higher risk of complications, such as excessive blood loss, development of blood clots, infection, and complications with pregnancy after the procedure. Myomectomy requires 2 – 6 weeks to recover, and have a higher incidence of regrowth of fibroids.
Understanding UFE Procedure
Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) is a non-surgical, minimally invasive procedure aimed at alleviating the symptoms of fibroids in the uterus. This innovative treatment involves making a tiny incision in the wrist or thigh to insert a catheter into the blood vessels feeding the fibroids. Tiny particles are then released to block these vessels, reducing the fibroids’ size and relieving symptoms.
UFE is an efficient alternative to traditional surgeries like hysterectomy, offering benefits such as preserving the uterus, requiring only mild sedation, and ensuring a quick recovery within 1-2 weeks.
Benefits of a UFE Procedure
Preserve Your Uterus
Minimally Invasive
Short Recovery Time
Efficient Treatment
Low Complication Rate
Meet Our Experienced UFE Specialists
Dr. Llewellyn Lee – Board-certified Vascular & Interventional Radiologist
Corpus Christi, TexasDr. Jennifer Mike-Mayer – Board-certified Vascular Surgeon
Corpus Christi, TexasWhat to Expect at Your UFE Consultation
Opting for UFE at our Corpus Christi clinic means choosing a uterine fibroid procedure that preserves your uterus, involves minimal downtime, and efficiently addresses the fibromyoma of the uterus.
Symptoms & History
Review Imaging
Possible MRI Recommendation
What Our Patients Are Saying
Fibroid FAQs
What are uterine fibroids?
Uterine fibroids, or leiomyomas, are growths of muscle and connective tissue in or on the uterus. They are typically noncancerous and in fact almost never develop into cancer. You may have a single fibroid or multiple ones in a cluster, ranging in size from a fraction of an inch each to 8 inches or more.
Learn more: What are uterine fibroids?
What causes fibroids?
- a family history of fibroids
- vitamin D deficiency
- being in childbearing years but not having children
- early onset of menstruation
- late onset of menopause
What are the symptoms of fibroids?
Typical signs of fibroids include:
- backache or leg pain
- heavy/abnormal/overly lengthy menstrual bleeding
- frequent or difficult urination
- constipation
- pelvic pain/pressure
- enlarged abdomen
- pain during intercourse
Learn more about the symptoms of fibroids.
Do I need to treat fibroids?
In many instances of fibroids, no treatment is necessary, and the fibroids will shrink after menopause. However, if they’re causing you pain or other problems, you should seek treatment.
How are fibroids diagnosed?
Pelvic exams often reveal the presence of fibroids, which are then confirmed with ultrasound or MRI.
Are fibroids a type of cancer?
Can postmenopausal women get fibroids?
Is UFE a viable treatment for postmenopausal women with fibroids?
Get Relief From Fibroids Symptoms With a Minimally Invasive Procedure
Schedule a consultation with our specialists at VasCare to discuss your treatment options.