What Is It?
Uterine fibroids are common non-cancerous (benign) growths that develop in the muscular wall of the uterus. Twenty to 40 percent of women age 35 and older have uterine fibroids of significant size. They can range in size from very tiny (a quarter of an inch) to larger than a cantaloupe. While fibroids do not always cause symptoms, they can lead to pelvic pain or pressure, or heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding for some women. Typically, uterine fibroids are first diagnosed during a gynecological internal exam and the presence of fibroids is confirmed using imaging such as ultrasound, CT, or MRI.
How Is It Treated?
Fibroid embolization is used to shrink fibroids to reduce symptoms. The procedure is performed by one of our interventional radiologists. The radiologist guides a catheter into the femoral artery and to the arteries supplying the uterus, and injects tiny particles that blocks these arteries, cutting off fibroid blood supply and causing them to shrink.
How Do I Prep For The Procedure?
Do not eat or drink anything after midnight (12:00 a.m.) the night before your exam. No breakfast or water in the morning. No aspirin or blood thinners to be taken 5 days prior to the procedure.
Bring all medications with you.
What Happens After The Procedure?
After the procedure, most women experience pain and cramping in the several hours following the procedure, and you will be provided medications to control pain and nausea. Most women can resume light activities within a few days.
Call To Schedule
1055 Post Road, Suite 150
Fairfield, CT 06824
Fax 203.380.3252
