Over 90% of the over 600,000 hysterectomies performed in the United States each year are done by conditions for which less-invasive, non-surgical solutions are available, but are often not mentioned or discussed by a gynecologist to the patient.
Fibroids are benign tumors of the uterus, and the most common reason for hysterectomy in the United States. UFE is a non-surgical, outpatient procedure which has a lower rate of complications, requires much less recovery time, and is covered by health insurance.
According to the Kaiser Daily Women’s Health Policy Report, some gynecologists fail to tell their patients about UFE, possibly because the procedure is performed by interventional radiologists and not gynecologists. “As a result, gynecologists who perform hysterectomies do not receive the fee that they might have obtained when the patient chooses UFE instead of hysterectomy.” John Lipman, MD, an interventional radiologist and Director of the Atlanta Interventional Institute, who has one of the nation’s largest UFE experience feels that this explanation is a little too simplistic. “While gynecologists may not tell their patients about UFE, it is usually not because of financial concerns. Gynecologists are not trained in UFE and may not feel comfortable discussing this as an option to patients suffering with fibroids. That’s why it is important that interventional radiologists and gynecologists work together to help these patients. It is also important for patients to empower themselves with information and play an active role in their health. It is important to know that there are a number of excellent non-surgical alternatives to the traditional surgical options. One must use the internet and other sources to learn about these options and discuss them openly with their health care providers.”
Patients who are suffering with fibroids, do not need to have any surgery. The UFE procedure takes about an hour, and they are discharged the same day. Patients leave the facility with a band-aid at the top of the right leg as the only footprint that any procedure was done. The average recovery at home is 4 days, and patients are usually out of work for one week. To learn more about UFE, you can contact Dr. Lipman directly at 770-953-2600 or visit the Atlanta Interventional Institute website at atlii.com.
Symptoms of fibroids
1. Heavy menstrual bleeding
-Changing more than 8 pads or tampons per day
-Changing a pad or tampon more frequently than every 2-3 hours.
-Blood “flooding” or “gushing” out, soiling clothes or bed linens, etc.
-Feeling very tired, lethargic
-Chewing/craving ice
-Lightheadedness, heart palpitations (running fast)
2. Pelvic pain
3. Urinating more frequently
-Waking up in the middle of the night to urinate
-Despite the urgency to urinate, the result is often only a small amount of urine
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