South Florida Fibroid Center is staffed with Board certified, fellowship trained  Interventional  Radiologists.  This group was among the first in South Florida to offer this uterus sparing procedure.  This procedure is “minimally invasive”.  There are no incisions and recovery time is much less than that of hysterectomy. 

This procedure is performed under “image guidance” by the interventional radiologist.  This means the physician is performing this procedure in a special room in the Radiology Department of the hospital, under fluoroscopy.  The radiologist “sees” the catheter as he performs the procedure.  The patient is asleep under moderate sedation.

A catheter is inserted into the groin and advanced to the uterine artery, which provides the blood supply to the fibroids.  Once in proper position tiny spheres (balls) are injected into the section of the artery feeding the fibroid.  The spheres block off further blood supply, thereby essentially starving the fibroid.   Without oxygen or nutrition supplied by the blood, the fibroid slowly dies.   Eventually the fibroid shrinks in size.  As the size of the fibroid decreases, usually the symptoms caused by the fibroid, such as heavy bleeding, pain, urinary frequency, and constipation subside. 

Because each patient is a little different, exact results cannot be predicted.  In 80-90% of patients the fibroid is reduced by 50-60% six months after the procedure. 

Since fibroids are benign (non-cancerous) tumors, there are certain tests that must be done prior to the procedure to determine whether or not the patient is a candidate for this procedure.  Initially, before coming for a consultation, the patient must have a pelvic/ abdominal ultrasound to establish the presence of fibroids.  In addition, the patient must have a pap smear.  At the time of the consultation certain other tests, including a biopsy may be ordered.  An MRI is ordered to provide the physician with an accurate “picture” of the fibroids, including size and location within the uterus.  With this information, the Interventional Radiologist is able to determine the appropriateness of this procedure for each patient.  If possible, the patient returns to the office to review the MRI with the physician and to discuss her individual issues..  

The patient remains in the hospital for one night for observation and pain management.  Since this procedure stops blood flow to the fibroids, pain and cramping result.   Pain management usually includes a “pain pump” overnight.  The device allows the patient to determine when and how much pain medication is needed.  Usually the patient is allowed to go home the next day.   Pain management at home includes anti-inflammatory agents, such as Motrin, and moderate pain medication, such as Percocet.  Most patients return to work in 10-14 days.

The patient returns to see the interventional radiologist one week, three months and six months after the procedure.  Follow-up MRI examinations are performed six months later, and again one year later, to determine response to treatment.