Uterine Fibroid Embolization or Hysterectomy: What You Need to Know
Fibroids can grow both within the uterine cavity and outside of it. They can cause various symptoms, including heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, and pressure on the bladder or bowel.
Historically, symptomatic fibroids that have grown so large or numerous that they distort organ systems and cause debilitating symptoms were treated through elective hysterectomies. However, other, less invasive procedures are available today, such as uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) in Atlanta.
How are uterine fibroid embolization procedures and hysterectomies different?
UFE vs. Hysterectomy
The choice between UFE and a hysterectomy depends on the severity of symptoms, desire for future fertility, co-existing medical conditions, and personal preferences. It should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider.
UFE and hysterectomy are dramatically different.
Here are the key distinctions between the two treatments:
UFE
- Uses light sedation
- Does not require lengthy recovery or downtime
- Preserves the health of the uterus
- Involves one puncture and no incisions that require stitches
- Outpatient – no hospitalization required
- Used for fibroids of all sizes and in multiple locations
- Does not affect nearby organs
- Shrinks fibroids but does not remove them
Hysterectomy
- Uses general anesthesia
- Length of recovery can be as long as several months
- Involves partial or total uterus removal
- Involves an open incision and post-operative wound care
- Inpatient – might require multiple days of hospitalization and monitoring
- Removes all fibroid tumors by removing the uterus
- Dramatically impacts the production of hormones and can affect adjacent organ systems
- Permanently removes uterine fibroids by removing the uterus
How Is Uterine Fibroid Embolization Performed?
Georgia Fibroids offers minimally invasive uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) treatment in Atlanta. It is a non-surgical approach offering several benefits as an alternative to invasive surgery.
Unlike traditional surgical interventions such as myomectomy or hysterectomy, UFE does not involve the removal of the uterus or fibroids. Instead, it targets the blood vessels that supply the fibroids, causing them to shrink and eventually die.
During UFE, a radiologist inserts a catheter into the blood vessels that supply the fibroids. Embolic particles are then injected into the blood vessels, blocking the blood flow to the fibroids. This approach ensures less pain, minimal scarring, and a shorter recovery time than traditional surgery.
One of the significant advantages of UFE is that it preserves the uterus, making it an attractive option for women who wish to maintain their fertility. Unlike surgical interventions that involve removing the uterus, UFE allows women to retain their reproductive abilities and potentially conceive. This aspect is essential for women who desire to have children or wish to avoid the emotional and physical impact of a hysterectomy.
Compared to traditional surgical interventions, UFE offers a shorter recovery time. Most women can return to normal activities within a week or two after the procedure. The minimally invasive nature of UFE allows for a quicker recovery and less postoperative discomfort than more invasive surgeries. UFE offers an extremely high success rate for a diverse population of patients.
How Is a Hysterectomy Performed?
A hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus. While it might address specific forms of cancer, it is often a treatment for non-life-threatening issues, like endometriosis or uterine fibroids.
Several types of hysterectomies can be performed, depending on the specific condition being treated and the patient's health. The types of hysterectomy performed to treat uterine fibroids are the following procedures
- Total hysterectomy. The entire uterus, including the cervix, is removed in this procedure.
- Partial hysterectomy. Also known as a subtotal or supracervical hysterectomy, this procedure removes only the upper part of the uterus while leaving the cervix intact.
It is important to note that a hysterectomy is a major surgical procedure and can have significant physical and emotional effects. It may impact fertility and can lead to menopause if the ovaries are also removed.
A hysterectomy should not be undertaken lightly. It is crucial to have a comprehensive understanding of the procedure, its potential benefits, and risks and to have open communication with your healthcare provider to make informed decisions about your reproductive health.
Georgia Fibroids offers a highly effective, minimally invasive treatment for addressing symptomatic uterine fibroids. If you struggle with uncomfortable or debilitating fibroid symptoms, please contact us today to learn more about our UFE procedure in Atlanta or to schedule an evaluation.
