Apex Surgi Centre Soweto concluded its International Uterine Fibroids Awareness Month with the establishment of the Fibroid Management Centre set to shine a light on the disease and educate women.
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The month of July is synonymously linked to Fibroids awareness, an initiative created to draw attention to the condition which remains a challenge for many women.
According to statistics from the US Office on Women’s Health (OWH), Fibroids affects at least approx 70% of all women by the age of 50 with more research showing that women of colour are more likely to be diagnosed with Uterine Fibroids.
“The objective of the dedicated centre is to be able to have a one stop facility that is equipped and staffed to handle fibroid problems comprehensively under one roof,” The health institute said.
The team consists of Gynecologists, a radiographer and clinical staff.”
What are fibroids?Fibroids are non-cancerous growths that occur on the womb (uterus). They are the number one cause of abnormally heavy menstrual bleeding associated with the passage of clots and lower abdominal and back pain.
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Historically, these could only be cut out of the womb by a gynaecologist in an operating theatre.
Modern technology and specifically the C-Arm with digital subtraction has allowed for this invasive procedure to be done in a non-invasive manner.
This means that there is NO cutting of the abdomen to reach the womb for the removal of the fibroids.
Symptoms may include (but not limited to):
• Heavy Periods• Painful periods/ cramping• Pain during sexual intercourse• Swelling of abdomen• Frequent urination• Lower back pain
What exactly does Uterine artery fibroid embolization entail?
The uterine artery embolization procedure is done by inserting a catheter in the wrist artery which is then threaded to the uterine arteries.
The artery is then embolized resulting in the blocking of the arteries that are supplying the fibroid. This occlusion result is the shrinking of the fibroids.
That then causes the resolution of the signs and symptoms that were caused by the fibroids. The shrinking takes place over the next three to six months post procedure.
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The procedure itself is done in an operating theatre by an Interventional Radiologist assisted by a radiographer.
It is done as a day procedure – meaning that you come in on the day of the procedure and are discharged on the same day to recuperate at home.
Studies show that 90% of patients experience significant or complete resolution of fibroid symptoms post Uterine Artery Fibroid Embolization.
Benefits of the procedure:
• Non-invasive
• More cost effective than the traditional invasive method
• Reduction of large fibroids before a Total Abdominal Hysterectomy
• Preservation of the uterus
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