Treatment for:
- Uterine Fibroids/Pelvic Congestion
Procedures offered:
- Uterine Fibroid Embolization
- Ovarian Vein Embolization
Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE)
Uterine fibroids are benign (non-cancerous) tumors that grow on or within the lining of the uterus. They can range in size from as small as a grape to as large as a cantaloupe. Approximately 20-40% of women over age 35 have fibroids, and African-American women are at a much higher risk for developing them.
Fibroids can result in pelvic pain or discomfort, urinary incontinence, frequent urination and heavy menstrual bleeding. The location and size of uterine fibroids can affect the severity of these symptoms and impact your quality of life. Fibroids are also hormonally sensitive, so the symptoms can be cyclical, just like with menstruation.
Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) is a safe, proven and minimally-invasive treatment for uterine fibroids offered at Lakeland Vascular Institute in Lakeland, Florida. A specially trained and board-certified interventional radiologist uses imaging guidance to thread a small catheter through your body to the site of the blood vessel feeding the fibroids. The vessel is then blocked, causing the fibroids to shrink and reduce the symptoms they are causing. The procedure is performed at our state-of-the-art Lakeland Vascular Institute Outpatient Facility in less than an hour, requires only a small nick in the skin, and patients can return home within 24 hours. Lakeland Vascular Institute physicians are among the most experienced in Florida at performing uterine fibroid embolization.
Women who undergo UFE have demonstrated a high level of satisfaction and a significant improvement to their quality of life, even over the long term.1,2 In a recent study of four randomized clinical trials comparing UFE to surgical interventions, UFE was associated with less blood loss, a shorter hospital stay and a faster return to work.3
To learn more about UFE or to schedule a consultation, contact Lakeland Vascular Institute at (863) 577-0316.
References
- Smith WJ, Upton E, Shuster EJ, Klein AJ, Schwartz ML. Patient satisfaction and disease specific quality of life after uterine artery embolization. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2004;190(6):1697–1703.
- Scheurig-Muenkler C, Koesters C, Powerski MJ, Grieser C, Froeling V, Kroencke TJ. Clinical long-term outcome after uterine artery embolization: sustained symptom control and improvement of quality of life. J Vasc Interv Radiol. 2013;24(6):765–771
- Laughlin SK, Schroeder JC, Baird DD. New directions in the epidemiology of uterine fibroids. Semin Reprod Med. 2010;28(3):204–217
Ovarian vein embolization (OVE)
Pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS) is a painful condition caused by enlarged, varicose veins within the pelvis. It can result in chronic, dull pain, which becomes more intense when standing or sitting for prolonged periods of time. PCS is largely misunderstood and under-diagnosed within the medical community, primarily because the symptoms of PCS are often confused with other conditions.
Chronic pelvic pain affects about one third of all women at some point in their lives, and about 15 percent of women have pelvic varicose veins, mostly during their childbearing years. PCS symptoms can range from mild pain and discomfort to disabling pain that interferes with work, quality of life and everyday activities.
It is thought that pelvic congestion is the result of pregnancy, and/or possibly estrogen, which is known to dilate blood vessels. The valves within the pelvic veins weaken and do not close properly, which causes blood to flow backwards into the vein and pool there, making them enlarged and causing pressure.
Additional symptoms include:
- Noticeable, bulging veins around the labia, vulva, buttocks or thighs
- Painful or abnormal menstrual cycles
- Pain during or after intercourse
- Abdominal bloating or cramping
- Vaginal discharge
- Lower back pain
- Depression or mood swings
If PCS cannot be effectively treated with hormonal medication, ovarian vein embolization (OVE) is a minimally invasive treatment option. It is a safe and effective FDA-approved outpatient procedure that is effective at providing relief for about 80% of those who undergo it. OVE requires no hospital stay, and patients can return to normal activities within 24 hours.
OVE is performed by an interventional radiologist using image guidance and a special catheter to seal off the faulty veins from the inside. During the procedure, the catheter is advanced through the body into the blood vessels in the pelvis. Small metal coils are then inserted to clot the blood and seal the faulty vein. For smaller varicose veins, a special foam agent is injected into the vein to shrink it.
If you have been diagnosed with pelvic congestion syndrome, talk with your doctor and share this brochure with them. If you have questions, call us! We are happy to help provide the information that you need to make an informed decision with your doctor.