How can uterine fibroids be treated at Rush-Copley?
Once your physician has determined that fibroids are the cause of your symptoms, Rush-Copley offers several treatment options. A surgeon can remove the fibroids or perform a hysterectomy to remove the uterus if appropriate. Medications may shrink the tumors temporarily. The choice is dependent upon your desire to preserve fertility as most treatment options can affect your ability to conceive and maintain a pregnancy. Surgical options carry their own risks and may require a lengthy recovery time. A newer option is uterine fibroid embolization, which is effective for the majority of women who opt for it. How does uterine fibroid embolization work? Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) shrinks fibroids by blocking the blood supply that feeds them. It is a minimally invasive procedure that usually takes about an hour to perform. UFE is done by an interventional radiologist under sterile conditions. Patients are sedated during the procedure. The doctor inserts a thin tube or catheter into the