Are these my only options; UFE or Hysterectomy?
No, there are many approaches you can try. Here are the most common.
Hormonal therapy is available that may cause your fibroids to stop causing symptoms without having to have any kind of procedure or surgery.
Myomectomy: Your OB/GYN may be able to surgically remove your fibroid(s) but leave the uterus intact. This procedure is called myomectomy. Myomectomy is still prefered over UFE if your primary issue is wanting to get pregnant; though recent data might change that strategy.
Endometrial Ablation: If your symptom is heavy bleeding and your fibroids are small (less than 3cm) your gynecologist may be able to treat you by Endometrial Ablation. Ablation is very effective; it involves placing a device into your uterus through the cervix that then destroys the lining of the endometrium and stops your period for good. The device uses energy to destroy the lining, usually by heating it.
You should explore these options with your OB/GYN or Family Practice doctor. We can refer you to one who is familiar with all of these options, if you wish.
MRIgFUS: In 2004 the FDA approved the use of MRI guided focused ultrasound (MRIgFUS) therapy for treating fibroids. This very interesting techniques is completely non-invasive. You lay on your stomach in the MRI machine and the ultrasound beam is focused on your fibroid, heating it to the point that it dies. The brand name of this device is Exablate. The biggest disadvantage of MRIgFUS is that most insurance companies do not cover it, and it is expensive. I understand it costs around 8 thousand dollars per session and usually 2-3 sessions are required. There is no system in San Antonio; the closest is in Houston. Google it for
more information.
Acessa Procedure: Like UFE, this procedure kills the fibroids but leaves the uterus. Using a probe placed through your abdominal wall and into each fibroid, the fibroid is heated to a temperature it cannot survive. The probe is advanced into the fibroid using direct visualization from a laparoscope as well as ultrasound guidance. Once the fibroid is killed with the Acessa, it will shrink just as if it had been embolized during UFE. This is an outpatient surgery done by gynecologists. Ask your doctor if you are a candidate.
Watchful Waiting: Fibroids die on their own after you go into menopasue. It does not happen right away but eventually they will die as your estrogen levels fall. So if your symptoms are mild and you are close to menopause you may wish to let nature take it's course. By the way, when fibroids die after menopause they go through the exact same process as when they die after UFE. In the end you are left with a small ball of scar tissue in your uterus, UFE just makes it happen all at once
Hormonal therapy is available that may cause your fibroids to stop causing symptoms without having to have any kind of procedure or surgery.
Myomectomy: Your OB/GYN may be able to surgically remove your fibroid(s) but leave the uterus intact. This procedure is called myomectomy. Myomectomy is still prefered over UFE if your primary issue is wanting to get pregnant; though recent data might change that strategy.
Endometrial Ablation: If your symptom is heavy bleeding and your fibroids are small (less than 3cm) your gynecologist may be able to treat you by Endometrial Ablation. Ablation is very effective; it involves placing a device into your uterus through the cervix that then destroys the lining of the endometrium and stops your period for good. The device uses energy to destroy the lining, usually by heating it.
You should explore these options with your OB/GYN or Family Practice doctor. We can refer you to one who is familiar with all of these options, if you wish.
MRIgFUS: In 2004 the FDA approved the use of MRI guided focused ultrasound (MRIgFUS) therapy for treating fibroids. This very interesting techniques is completely non-invasive. You lay on your stomach in the MRI machine and the ultrasound beam is focused on your fibroid, heating it to the point that it dies. The brand name of this device is Exablate. The biggest disadvantage of MRIgFUS is that most insurance companies do not cover it, and it is expensive. I understand it costs around 8 thousand dollars per session and usually 2-3 sessions are required. There is no system in San Antonio; the closest is in Houston. Google it for
more information.
Acessa Procedure: Like UFE, this procedure kills the fibroids but leaves the uterus. Using a probe placed through your abdominal wall and into each fibroid, the fibroid is heated to a temperature it cannot survive. The probe is advanced into the fibroid using direct visualization from a laparoscope as well as ultrasound guidance. Once the fibroid is killed with the Acessa, it will shrink just as if it had been embolized during UFE. This is an outpatient surgery done by gynecologists. Ask your doctor if you are a candidate.
Watchful Waiting: Fibroids die on their own after you go into menopasue. It does not happen right away but eventually they will die as your estrogen levels fall. So if your symptoms are mild and you are close to menopause you may wish to let nature take it's course. By the way, when fibroids die after menopause they go through the exact same process as when they die after UFE. In the end you are left with a small ball of scar tissue in your uterus, UFE just makes it happen all at once
