Fibroids
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Uterine artery embolization
Uterine artery embolization is a new, less invasive
treatment for fibroids which is performed by an
interventional radiologist. In this procedure,
blood supply to the fibroid tumors is blocked,
making them shrink. As an alternative to hysterectomy,
uterine artery embolization preserves a woman's
uterus, maintains her hormonal cycles and requires
far less recovery time.
During uterine artery embolization, a thin tube,
called a catheter, is inserted into the main arteries
of the legs and guided by X-ray images to the
blood vessels that feed the fibroids of the uterus.
Tiny plastic or spongelike particles are injected
to stop blood flow to the fibroids. Once blood
flow to the fibroids is cut off, they shrink gradually
over the next weeks and months.
Learn more about uterine
artery embolization on the Interventional
Radiology web site.
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