Uterine Fibroid Treatment Options in Dallas: Procedures

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Although most people know of MTV IR from our reputation as some of the best liver cancer doctors in Dallas, we are equally involved in the treatment of Women's Health problems. In this area we use our interventional radiology (IR) skills to provide pelvic pain treatment options in Dallas, to treat infertility due to blockage of the Fallopian tubes, and to eliminate the many negative symptoms caused by uterine fibroids (non-cancerous tumors that develop in the wall of the uterus).

One of our IR specialties is called Uterine Fibroid Embolization, or UFE. This is a minimally-invasive procedure in which MTV IR surgeons make a tiny incision in the groin area and then insert a tiny catheter into the femoral artery and guide it directly to the fibroid tumors using X-ray visualization. We then inject small embolization particles that block the blood supply to the tumors, which causes them to shrink and disappear. This results in the reduction or elimination of negative symptoms in 85% to 90% of patients undergoing the procedure.

What you should know about the UFE procedure, and recovery from it

The UFE procedure itself takes under an hour to complete, but afterwards you will need to lie flat for several hours while doctors monitor your progress and make sure there is no pooling of blood or clotting at the site of the incision. If all appears to be going well, you will then be asked to get up and walk around to speed healing, and at this point most patients can then leave the hospital and return home, although you should not plan on driving yourself.

Full recovery can take 7 to 10 days, during which you should limit your activity and avoid physical exertion. There will be some pain following the embolization procedure, caused by the sudden cessation of blood flow to the fibroids. This pain – similar to cramping during your menstrual cycle – usually peaks during the first 24 hours, but in some patients can persist for several days. You will be given pain medications by your doctor to help you manage it.

Other symptoms you may experience during your recovery from UFE

Some patients experience post-embolization syndrome, which is characterized by fatigue, pain, low-grade fever, nausea, and vomiting. Doctors believe that this is the result of inflammation caused by the degeneration of the fibroids. These symptoms, if present, usually peak about 48 hours following the procedure, and then resolve on their own within a week.

You may also notice a watery or mucus-like vaginal discharge; this may persist for up to a month, but will stop without further treatment. Follow-up from your MTV IR physicians will ensure that there is no lingering infection.

At MTV IR we provide our patients with information about possible side effects from the UFE procedure because we want them to know about them in advance and be prepared for them should they appear. In most cases, negative symptoms such as these are minimal and don't persist more than a few days, and most patients find themselves free of the original negative symptoms of uterine fibroids very quickly, and able to return to work or other light activities within 11 days after treatment. To find out more about your uterine fibroid treatment options in Dallas, please look at the articles we've provided on our website at http://www.mtvir.com/ or give us a call directly at  (469) 331-5943. We'll be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Author Bio: Uterine Fibroid Treatment Options In Dallas vary, but it's important to know what to expect following the Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) treatment.