Our Unique Approach to Treating Uterine Fibroids

Our Center offers the expertise of a gynecologist experienced with the latest minimally invasive techniques in surgery (including laparascopic hysterectomy and myomectomy) and a team of NYU interventional radiologists experienced in uterine fibroid embolization. In this way, the unique needs of each woman are considered by a team of physicians working collaboratively to make their treatment recommendations from a variety of the latest treatment options, tailored to each individual patient.

Benefits to Our Patients:
Our unique multidisciplinary approach to the treatment of Fibroids allows our patients to see a Gynecologist and Interventional Radiologist simultaneously, thereby simplifying the process for the patient. Additionally, our specialists, working collaboratively, can more easily provide each patient with an immediate consensus on the best treatment option specifically for her.

Our goal is to provide high quality and compassionate medical care to all of our patients. We take the time to listen and educate our patients during each stage of the evaluation and treatment process to make sure that your experience is positive. We also work very closely with your physician to ensure you have best possible gynecologic care and follow-up throughout the process.

What You Should Know About Uterine Fibroids

There are several different treatment options for uterine fibroids. Different types of clinical specialists offer different treatment options. That is why at NYU, we have brought these specialists together into one center so that we may provide the best care possible to our fibroid patients.

What Are Uterine Fibroids?

Uterine fibroids are benign tumors of muscle cells and fibrous tissue that form inside the uterus. Fibroids may cause no symptoms, while in other women produce heavy vaginal bleeding and "bulk symptoms" (pelvic pain, pressure on the bladder causing a sensation of fullness, lower back pain). Fibroids can also be a cause of pregnancy loss in some women.

» Learn More About Uterine Fibroids

Treatment Options for Uterine Fibroids

Treatment options for uterine fibroids that are causing symptoms include: hormonal therapy (to temporarily shrink the fibroids), surgical removal of one or more fibroids (myomectomy), or removal of the uterus (hysterectomy). More recently, a minimally invasive procedure has become widely available called uterine fibroid embolization. Like thirsty plants that need to be watered daily, survival of fibroid tumors depends on a continuous supply of nourishment from blood vessels. If these blood vessels are blocked, the fibroids will gradually shrink down in size, similar to a plant that withers from a lack of water. Uterine fibroid embolization is a procedure that doctors use to shut down blood supply to the fibroids by injecting tiny sand-like particles into the arteries of the uterus so that shrinkage will occur. In 95% of women who are candidates for uterine artery embolization, their bleeding symptoms are improved. In approximately 70% of women with "bulk symptoms" who are candidates will have improvement.

The uterine fibroid embolization procedure is performed in the interventional radiology suite under "twilight anesthesia" and local anesthetic. Through a tiny nick in the skin, the doctor inserts a soft plastic catheter into an artery near the patient's hip. Guided by a specialized
x-ray camera, the catheter is carefully steered into the arteries of the uterus, which nourish the fibroids. At this point, microscopic particles of plastic spheres (which are inert and compatible with body) are injected until the desired amount of blockage is achieved. The catheter is removed and the doctor presses on the patient's skin where the artery was entered until bleeding stops. After 15 minutes, a Band-Aid is applied to the insertion site. The patient remains in hospital overnight, and can usually return home the following day.

» Learn More About Uterine Fibroid Embolization
» Watch Our Movie: This brief movie describes uterine fibroid embolization in more detail.

Additional Resources For Patients

For more information, visit:
» NYU's Center for Pelvic Pain and Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery
» www.ask4ufe.com
» www.fibroids1.com
» Society of Interventional Radiology

Do You Need Treatment for Fibroid Tumors?

Please call us for an appointment at (212) 263-5898 and mention that you found us on the web. Please let us know what type of information was most beneficial to you as a patient and how we can make our site more informative for patients with Fibroids.

NYU Medical Center Department of Interventional Radiology
560 First Avenue
New York, NY 10016-6402
tel: 212-263-5898
fax: 212-263-7914