New Treatment for Fibroids Without Surgery: UFE
Fibroids, also referred to as uterine leiomyomas, are noncancerous growths that form in or near the uterus. While they are usually not cancerous, they can cause various symptoms such as heavy periods, abdominal pain, frequent bathroom trips, and complications during pregnancy.
The traditional treatment for fibroids has typically been surgery, often in the form of either a hysterectomy or myomectomy. However, women seeking a new treatment for fibroids without surgery, now have access to innovative options like uterine fibroid embolization (UFE), which provide effective relief without requiring invasive procedures.
Understanding Fibroids and Their Impact
Approximately 70% of women are affected by fibroids by the age of 50, despite their prevalence. As fibroids are often asymptomatic, many women are unaware they have them. The impact on quality of life can be significant for those who experience symptoms, however.
Anemia can be caused by heavy menstrual bleeding, and chronic pelvic pain can interfere with daily life and overall health.
The traditional surgical options for treating fibroids, such as hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) and myomectomy (removal of the fibroids), while effective, come with risks associated with surgery, including infection, blood loss, and longer recovery times.
Finding a new treatment for fibroids without surgery is crucial for women who wish to avoid these risks or maintain their fertility.
Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE): A Minimally Invasive Solution
A minimally invasive procedure to treat fibroids without surgery is uterine fibroid embolization (UFE), a promising alternative to surgery that offers an effective new treatment for fibroids without surgery.
UFE shrinks the fibroids and eventually kills them by cutting off their blood supply. A fibroid specialist who specializes in interventional radiology, such as Dr. Sandeep Burathoki, performs the procedure.
Through a tiny incision made in the groin or wrist, a small catheter is inserted into the uterine arteries. The fibroids shrink over time when the blood vessels that feed them are blocked by tiny particles injected through the catheter.
Without blood supply, the fibroids shrink, resulting in a significant reduction in symptoms.
Advantages of Uterine Fibroid Embolization
Several advantages of UFE over traditional surgical options:
- Minimally Invasive: Unlike a hysterectomy or myomectomy, UFE does not involve large incisions. The procedure is performed through a small incision, typically about the size of a pencil tip, leading to less pain and a quicker recovery.
- Preservation of the Uterus: For women who wish to retain their uterus, UFE is a valuable option. It does not involve the removal of the uterus, preserving fertility and hormonal balance.
- Shorter Recovery Time: Most women can return to their normal activities within a week or two after UFE, compared to the longer recovery times associated with surgery.
- Effective Symptom Relief: Studies have shown that UFE provides significant and lasting relief from fibroid symptoms, with most women experiencing a substantial reduction in bleeding, pain, and other related issues.
- Outpatient Procedure: UFE is typically performed as an outpatient procedure, meaning that patients can go home the same day, further reducing the disruption to their lives.
Who is a Candidate for Uterine Fibroid Embolization?
While UFE is an excellent option for many women, it is not suitable for everyone. Women who are considering UFE should have a thorough evaluation to determine if the procedure is right for them. Ideal candidates for UFE include:
- Women with symptomatic fibroids who wish to avoid surgery
- Women who want to preserve their uterus and fertility
- Women who are not candidates for surgery due to other health conditions
- Women who prefer a minimally invasive approach to treatment
Dr. Sandeep Burathoki carefully evaluates each patient to ensure that UFE is the best option for their specific situation. He takes into account factors such as the size, number, and location of fibroids, as well as the patient’s overall health and reproductive goals.
What to Expect During and After UFE
For women undergoing UFE, the process is typically straightforward. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia with sedation, allowing patients to remain comfortable and relaxed throughout. Most UFE procedures take about one to two hours to complete, after which patients are monitored for a few hours before being discharged home.
Following UFE, it is common to experience some cramping and discomfort as the fibroids begin to shrink. These symptoms are usually manageable with over-the-counter pain medications, and most women can return to their normal activities within a week. Over the next few months, as the fibroids continue to shrink, symptoms such as heavy bleeding and pelvic pain should gradually improve.
The Future of Fibroid Treatment
As medical technology continues to advance, the options for treating fibroids without surgery are expanding. Uterine fibroid embolization represents a significant step forward in providing women with a new treatment for fibroids without surgery. For many women, UFE offers a safe, effective, and less invasive alternative to traditional surgical methods.
With experts like Dr. Sandeep Burathoki leading the way, more women are finding relief from fibroid symptoms and reclaiming their quality of life without the need for surgery. As awareness of UFE and other non-surgical treatments grows, more women will likely choose these innovative options, further reducing the need for invasive procedures.
For women seeking a new treatment for fibroids without surgery, uterine fibroid embolization offers a promising solution. With its minimally invasive nature, shorter recovery time, and effective symptom relief, UFE is quickly becoming the preferred choice for many women. Under the expert care of Dr. Sandeep Burathoki, women can explore this innovative treatment option and take control of their fibroid symptoms without the need for surgery.
Dr. Sandeep Burathoki: Pioneering UFE in Fibroid Treatment
Dr. Sandeep Burathoki is at the forefront of providing a new treatment for fibroids without surgery through uterine fibroid embolization.
With extensive experience in interventional radiology, Dr. Burathoki has helped countless women find relief from fibroid symptoms without the need for invasive surgery.
Dr. Burathoki emphasizes the importance of individualized care. He works closely with each patient to determine the best treatment plan based on their specific needs and circumstances.
He understands that every woman’s experience with fibroids is unique, and he is committed to offering the most effective and least invasive treatment options available.
