Uterine Artery Embolization
By Charles Sykes, MD

Fibroids or leiomymoas of the uterus are common benign tumors affecting approximately 30% of all women. Many women develop symptoms attributable to fibroid growth, such as pain, cramping, excessive bleeding, and urinary disfunction. These symptoms will prompt a visit to a physician. A pelvic ultrasound or MRI exam will often then be completed, readily demonstrating the tumor(s). Depending on the size and symptoms of the tumor, medical or surgical options will be offered. Until recently, the only surgical options were myomectomy (fibroid removal) or hysterectomy (removal of the whole uterus).

There is a new treatment option offered by interventional radiologists that does not require even a stitch. The procedure is called uterine artery embolization. The patient meets for a consultation with the radiologist to ensure that she is an appropriate candidate for the procedure. At the North Fulton Regional Hospital radiology department, she receives conscious sedation and local anesthesia prior to placement of a skinny catheter into blood vessels supplying the uterus. Tiny sand-like particles are deployed that clog up the blood vessels supplying the tumor. The procedure typically takes 90 minutes and the patient leaves the hospital the next morning. Patients tend to recover quickly and are back to normal routines within one week. The uterus is retained and pregnancy may still be possible.

Charles Sykes, M.D., Chairman, Department of Radiology at North Fulton Regional Hospital, has extensive experience with embolization procedures and has had much success with this particular technique. Call (770) 751-2530 for further information, or ask your physician about this procedure.

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