Alternative to Hysterectomy to Treat Uterine Fibroids

[Guest guest]

(HealthNewsDigest.com)-Approximately 25 million women in the United

States suffer from uterine fibroids -noncancerous growths that cause

serious complications such as heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, pressure

and bloating and frequent urination. In fact, 30 to 50 percent of

women over the age of 40 have some fibroid-related symptom and one in

every three of these women experiences symptoms so debilitating that

her everyday life is greatly impacted.

Uterine fibroids affect women of all ages and backgrounds, but

especially those of childbearing age, African-American descent, and

who are overweight or obese. Unfortunately, the most common treatment

for fibroids is hysterectomy, the complete removal of the uterus,

which requires general anesthesia, four days of hospitalization, and

five-to-six weeks to recover. Hysterectomy is also associated with

physical, emotional, and sexual complications and compromises any

chance for future pregnancy. Approximately 600,000 women undergo a

hysterectomy in the United States each year.

Although several other treatment options exist for women with

fibroids, they are infrequently discussed with patients. One such

option is uterine fibroid embolization (UFE), a nonsurgical procedure

which is performed by an Interventional Radiologist or IR. IRs are

specially trained physicians who perform minimally-invasive

procedures which have replaced numerous more invasive surgical

methods. During UFE, the IR carefully injects tiny particles called

Embosphere® Microspheres into blood vessels to block the blood supply

to fibroids, causing them to shrink. The procedure is performed in

about one to two hours and does not require general anesthesia or

incisions. Patients stay in the hospital overnight and usually return

to their normal level of activity after one week.

Studies have shown that 85 to 95 percent of women have marked

improvement in their uterine fibroid symptoms three-to-six months

after undergoing UFE. UFE is associated with fewer complications than

surgery and has been successfully used to treat over 50,000 women

worldwide.

Yet, a recent survey by the Yale University School of Medicine shows

that only 38 percent of gynecologists offer UFE as a treatment option

to their fibroid patients.

" Physicians should discuss all available options to treat fibroids

with their patients, " said Dr. Neil Khilnani, an Interventional

Radiologist with Cornell Vascular in New York. " These days, there are

options other than hysterectomy, such as UFE, that offer effective

relief from debilitating symptoms but have fewer side-effects and

shorter recovery periods. "

As the data in support of UFE continues to grow, more and more

gynecologists are recognizing the value of this procedure. An article

published in the August 2004 issue of " Obstetrics & Gynecology, " one

of the premier scientific medical journals, recommends that UFE be

included as an option in the course of developing a management plan

for symptomatic fibroids and should be discussed with patients.

Unfortunately, actively seeking out alternatives to hysterectomies

often still falls on women.

" When I was told that I needed a hysterectomy, I immediately started

looking for other options because I did not want to undergo major

surgery, " said Anne Marie Berger, UFE patient treated by Dr.

Khilnani. " I underwent UFE and was able to return to work within a

week and now have complete relief from my symptoms. "

" The best way for a woman with fibroids to determine if she is a

candidate for UFE is to consult with an Interventional Radiologist, "

explains Dr. Khilnani.

For more information about UFE, patients can visit, www.Ask4UFE.com.

www.HealthNewsDigest.com

© Copyright 2004 by HealthNewsDigest

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 8/30/2004 12:30:06 PM Pacific Standard Time,

unicorn_girl@... writes:

On this note has anyone ever heard of endometrial ablation, had it done or

knows if it is appropriate for an EDSer to have? I am fixed but periods are

a nightmare I don't really want a hysterectomy at 25.

Autumn...if you have endo or think you may, get involved with a support list

called Witsendo. Do a search, it will come up on the Internet. My daughter

has endo since age 12, but thanks to their support she is managing and has

found many other alternatives to drugs and surgery. Maybe Mike even could

advise

on some pressure points for period/endo pain? Our chiro does a special

adjustment every month for her also that has done away with most of her

problems.

She also has to watch her diet and be treated regularly with supplements to

ward off candida overgrowth.

LIza

[Guest guest]

On this note has anyone ever heard of endometrial ablation, had it done or

knows if it is appropriate for an EDSer to have? I am fixed but periods are

a nightmare I don't really want a hysterectomy at 25.

Autumn

_____

From: buckysmom2000

Sent: Monday, August 30, 2004 9:20 AM

To: ceda

Subject: Alternative to Hysterectomy to Treat Uterine Fibroids

(HealthNewsDigest.com)-Approximately 25 million women in the United

States suffer from uterine fibroids -noncancerous growths that cause

serious complications such as heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, pressure

and bloating and frequent urination. In fact, 30 to 50 percent of

women over the age of 40 have some fibroid-related symptom and one in

every three of these women experiences symptoms so debilitating that

her everyday life is greatly impacted.

Uterine fibroids affect women of all ages and backgrounds, but

especially those of childbearing age, African-American descent, and

who are overweight or obese. Unfortunately, the most common treatment

for fibroids is hysterectomy, the complete removal of the uterus,

which requires general anesthesia, four days of hospitalization, and

five-to-six weeks to recover. Hysterectomy is also associated with

physical, emotional, and sexual complications and compromises any

chance for future pregnancy. Approximately 600,000 women undergo a

hysterectomy in the United States each year.

Although several other treatment options exist for women with

fibroids, they are infrequently discussed with patients. One such

option is uterine fibroid embolization (UFE), a nonsurgical procedure

which is performed by an Interventional Radiologist or IR. IRs are

specially trained physicians who perform minimally-invasive

procedures which have replaced numerous more invasive surgical

methods. During UFE, the IR carefully injects tiny particles called

EmbosphereR Microspheres into blood vessels to block the blood supply

to fibroids, causing them to shrink. The procedure is performed in

about one to two hours and does not require general anesthesia or

incisions. Patients stay in the hospital overnight and usually return

to their normal level of activity after one week.

Studies have shown that 85 to 95 percent of women have marked

improvement in their uterine fibroid symptoms three-to-six months

after undergoing UFE. UFE is associated with fewer complications than

surgery and has been successfully used to treat over 50,000 women

worldwide.

Yet, a recent survey by the Yale University School of Medicine shows

that only 38 percent of gynecologists offer UFE as a treatment option

to their fibroid patients.

" Physicians should discuss all available options to treat fibroids

with their patients, " said Dr. Neil Khilnani, an Interventional

Radiologist with Cornell Vascular in New York. " These days, there are

options other than hysterectomy, such as UFE, that offer effective

relief from debilitating symptoms but have fewer side-effects and

shorter recovery periods. "

As the data in support of UFE continues to grow, more and more

gynecologists are recognizing the value of this procedure. An article

published in the August 2004 issue of " Obstetrics & Gynecology, " one

of the premier scientific medical journals, recommends that UFE be

included as an option in the course of developing a management plan

for symptomatic fibroids and should be discussed with patients.

Unfortunately, actively seeking out alternatives to hysterectomies

often still falls on women.

" When I was told that I needed a hysterectomy, I immediately started

looking for other options because I did not want to undergo major

surgery, " said Anne Marie Berger, UFE patient treated by Dr.

Khilnani. " I underwent UFE and was able to return to work within a

week and now have complete relief from my symptoms. "

" The best way for a woman with fibroids to determine if she is a

candidate for UFE is to consult with an Interventional Radiologist, "

explains Dr. Khilnani.

For more information about UFE, patients can visit, www.Ask4UFE.com.

www.HealthNewsDigest.com

C Copyright 2004 by HealthNewsDigest

To learn more about EDS, visit our website: http://www.ehlersdanlos.ca

[Guest guest]

On this note has anyone ever heard of endometrial ablation, had it done or

knows if it is appropriate for an EDSer to have? I am fixed but periods are

a nightmare I don't really want a hysterectomy at 25.

Autumn

_____

From: buckysmom2000

Sent: Monday, August 30, 2004 9:20 AM

To: ceda

Subject: Alternative to Hysterectomy to Treat Uterine Fibroids

(HealthNewsDigest.com)-Approximately 25 million women in the United

States suffer from uterine fibroids -noncancerous growths that cause

serious complications such as heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, pressure

and bloating and frequent urination. In fact, 30 to 50 percent of

women over the age of 40 have some fibroid-related symptom and one in

every three of these women experiences symptoms so debilitating that

her everyday life is greatly impacted.

Uterine fibroids affect women of all ages and backgrounds, but

especially those of childbearing age, African-American descent, and

who are overweight or obese. Unfortunately, the most common treatment

for fibroids is hysterectomy, the complete removal of the uterus,

which requires general anesthesia, four days of hospitalization, and

five-to-six weeks to recover. Hysterectomy is also associated with

physical, emotional, and sexual complications and compromises any

chance for future pregnancy. Approximately 600,000 women undergo a

hysterectomy in the United States each year.

Although several other treatment options exist for women with

fibroids, they are infrequently discussed with patients. One such

option is uterine fibroid embolization (UFE), a nonsurgical procedure

which is performed by an Interventional Radiologist or IR. IRs are

specially trained physicians who perform minimally-invasive

procedures which have replaced numerous more invasive surgical

methods. During UFE, the IR carefully injects tiny particles called

EmbosphereR Microspheres into blood vessels to block the blood supply

to fibroids, causing them to shrink. The procedure is performed in

about one to two hours and does not require general anesthesia or

incisions. Patients stay in the hospital overnight and usually return

to their normal level of activity after one week.

Studies have shown that 85 to 95 percent of women have marked

improvement in their uterine fibroid symptoms three-to-six months

after undergoing UFE. UFE is associated with fewer complications than

surgery and has been successfully used to treat over 50,000 women

worldwide.

Yet, a recent survey by the Yale University School of Medicine shows

that only 38 percent of gynecologists offer UFE as a treatment option

to their fibroid patients.

" Physicians should discuss all available options to treat fibroids

with their patients, " said Dr. Neil Khilnani, an Interventional

Radiologist with Cornell Vascular in New York. " These days, there are

options other than hysterectomy, such as UFE, that offer effective

relief from debilitating symptoms but have fewer side-effects and

shorter recovery periods. "

As the data in support of UFE continues to grow, more and more

gynecologists are recognizing the value of this procedure. An article

published in the August 2004 issue of " Obstetrics & Gynecology, " one

of the premier scientific medical journals, recommends that UFE be

included as an option in the course of developing a management plan

for symptomatic fibroids and should be discussed with patients.

Unfortunately, actively seeking out alternatives to hysterectomies

often still falls on women.

" When I was told that I needed a hysterectomy, I immediately started

looking for other options because I did not want to undergo major

surgery, " said Anne Marie Berger, UFE patient treated by Dr.

Khilnani. " I underwent UFE and was able to return to work within a

week and now have complete relief from my symptoms. "

" The best way for a woman with fibroids to determine if she is a

candidate for UFE is to consult with an Interventional Radiologist, "

explains Dr. Khilnani.

For more information about UFE, patients can visit, www.Ask4UFE.com.

www.HealthNewsDigest.com

C Copyright 2004 by HealthNewsDigest

To learn more about EDS, visit our website: http://www.ehlersdanlos.ca

[Guest guest]

RE: Alternative to Hysterectomy to Treat Uterine Fibroids

On this note has anyone ever heard of endometrial ablation, had it done or

knows if it is appropriate for an EDSer to have? I am fixed but periods are

a nightmare I don't really want a hysterectomy at 25.

Autumn

Autumn - I know of a friend who has this (non EDSer although she shows signs

of it!) It worked well for her. I think several other EDSers have had ablation

too...