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Information for Patients about Uterine Fibroid Embolization

Information for Patients about Uterine Fibroid Embolization

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Information for Patients about Uterine Fibroid Embolization. The Treatment of Uterine Fibroids. What are Uterine Fibroids?. Uterine fibroids are benign (not cancerous) tumors that grow on or within the muscle walls of the uterus. - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

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Page 1: Information for Patients about Uterine Fibroid Embolization

Information for Patientsabout Uterine Fibroid Embolization

Page 2: Information for Patients about Uterine Fibroid Embolization
Page 3: Information for Patients about Uterine Fibroid Embolization

• Uterine fibroids are benign (not cancerous) tumors that grow on or within the muscle walls of the uterus.

• They consist of dense, fibrous tissue which is fed by blood vessels.

• Their size can vary from as small as a pea to as large as a melon.

• A woman may have one or many fibroids.

• Doctors believe that 20-40% of women age 35 and older have fibroids.

Page 4: Information for Patients about Uterine Fibroid Embolization
Page 5: Information for Patients about Uterine Fibroid Embolization

Intramural Fibroid

Intramural fibroids are found in the wall of the womb and are the most common type of

fibroids.

Page 6: Information for Patients about Uterine Fibroid Embolization

Subserosal Fibroid

Subserosal fibroids are found growing outside the wall of the womb and can become very large without treatment.

Page 7: Information for Patients about Uterine Fibroid Embolization

Submucosal Fibroid

Submucosal fibroids are found in the muscle beneath the inner lining of the womb wall.

Page 8: Information for Patients about Uterine Fibroid Embolization

Pedunculated

Subserosal Fibroid

Pedunculated

Submucosal Fibroid

Subserosal and Submucosal fibroids are also able to grow on stalks. They are called pedunculated fibroids.

Page 9: Information for Patients about Uterine Fibroid Embolization

Many fibroids do not cause any symptoms; but some can cause problems such as:

• Heavy bleeding • Painful periods• Bleeding between periods• Feeling of fullness in the pelvic area• Frequent urination• Pain during sex• Lower back pain

Page 10: Information for Patients about Uterine Fibroid Embolization

• Your doctor may find that you have fibroids when you see her/him for a regular pelvic exam.

• Your doctor may do routine imaging tests such as ultrasound in order to confirm that you have fibroids.

Page 11: Information for Patients about Uterine Fibroid Embolization

Medicine– Pain medication can sometimes stop a woman’s symptoms of

fibroids.– Gonadotropin releasing hormone agonists (GnRHa) are

another type of drug used to treat fibroids. – The GnRHa drugs can decrease the size of fibroids,

but may only offer only temporary relief from the symptoms.

Once a woman stops the therapy, the fibroids can grow back.

Page 12: Information for Patients about Uterine Fibroid Embolization

Surgery– Hysterectomy:

• The surgical removal of the uterus. • Performed through an abdominal incision under general

anesthesia. – There may be a hospital stay lasting several days. – Patients can expect a 6-8 week recovery period.

– Laparoscopic Hysterectomy• Removal of the uterus through a smaller incision at the top

of the vagina.• It may require a shorter hospital stay and recovery time.

As a results of these surgeries, women will no longer have periods and will not be able to have children.

Page 13: Information for Patients about Uterine Fibroid Embolization

Myomectomy: – The surgical removal of fibroids.

• Two Methods: – Major surgery, with an abdominal incision. – Minor surgery, with a laparoscope.

– There may be a hospital stay of several days. – The recovery period may last up to several weeks.– The procedure may cause scar tissue and may affect

fertility.

Page 14: Information for Patients about Uterine Fibroid Embolization

An Alternative that Preserves the Uterus

Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) preserves the uterus and reduces surgical risk by using small beads injected into the blood vessels to cut off the blood supply to the fibroids so that they shrink.

Page 15: Information for Patients about Uterine Fibroid Embolization

Uterine Fibroid Embolization has been performed for more than 15 years and has been used to treat more than 40,000 women around the world.

The procedure is not recommended for patients who want to become pregnant. However, in a few cases, women have become pregnant after UFE.

Page 16: Information for Patients about Uterine Fibroid Embolization

UFE is performed by a specially trained physician called an Interventional Radiologist who uses radiographic imaging to manage fibroids and other conditions.

Page 17: Information for Patients about Uterine Fibroid Embolization

Patients receive mild sedation and a local anesthesia so they experience little to no discomfort and are able to be awake during the procedure.

Page 18: Information for Patients about Uterine Fibroid Embolization

During the procedure, the physician inserts a very small tube called a catheter through a tiny hole in the patient’s groin.

Very small beads that block the blood supply to the fibroids are delivered through the catheter.

Page 19: Information for Patients about Uterine Fibroid Embolization

Without sufficient blood flow, the tumor shrinks and symptoms disappear.

Page 20: Information for Patients about Uterine Fibroid Embolization

• The procedure generally takes about 1 hour. • Afterwards, patients may stay at the hospital 1 or 2 days. • Patients may experience some pain after the procedure.

– The pain is controlled with pain medications through a pump that allows the patient to take the drugs as needed.

• Other side-effects may include a low fever, nausea, and fatigue.

• Most women can expect to return to regular activities within 1 or 2 weeks after the procedure.

Page 21: Information for Patients about Uterine Fibroid Embolization

• After recovery, the patient will visit her regular gynecologist and interventional radiologist. They will conduct exams to ensure that the fibroids are going away.

• All patients should notify their physician about any abnormality they experience after the procedure.

Page 22: Information for Patients about Uterine Fibroid Embolization

• Preservation of the uterus without associated surgery risks

• Efficient for multiple and large fibroids

• Safe and effective • Short hospital stay and

recovery• Early return to normal

activities• May allow patient to

retain fertility

Page 23: Information for Patients about Uterine Fibroid Embolization

CAUTION

Consult your physician about your medical choices. Your physician is in the best position to offer you medical advice based upon your unique situation.

Page 24: Information for Patients about Uterine Fibroid Embolization

CeloNova Biosciences, Inc. 49 Spring Street Newnan, GA 30263USA+1.888.388.3888 Toll Free+1.770.502.0304 Telephone+1.770.502.0773

CeloNova Biosciences of Europe B.V. Utrechtsestraat 38f 6811 LZ ArnhemThe Netherlands

[email protected]