St. Mary's uses a new method of treating uterine fibroids, a condition traditionally treated with hysterectomy.

• What are uterine fibroids?   Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous or benign growths that develop in the muscle wall of the uterus. They are the most common reason for hysterectomies, or removal of the uterus. Symptoms are usually menstrual periods and pelvic cramps, but they might also include back or leg pain, pain during sexual intercourse, frequent urination, constipation and bloating or an enlarged abdomen.
• How are uterine fibroids treated?   Traditionally, uterine fibroids were treated with hysterectomy. But a new, less-invasive procedure called uterine fibroid embolization offers shorter hospital stay and recovery time, as well as less pain than hysterectomy.
• What is uterine fibroid embolization?   While a patient is conscious but sedated, a physician makes a tiny incision in the groin and inserts a small tube called a catheter into an artery. With the help of X-ray imaging, the physician guides the catheter through the artery to the uterus. Next, tiny particles the size of grains of sand are injected into the vessel that supplies blood to the fibroid. These particles then cut off the blood flow or “embolize” the fibroid. After blood flow is cut off, the fibroid will soon shrink and die. Patients are monitored overnight in the hospital.
• How long does it take to recover?   Patients should plan to spend about a week at home to deal with some pain and discomfort.

For more information about Uterine Fibroid Embolization, please call (314) 768-8250.