A Different Choice Offers Relief from Fibroids
Fibroid Embolization Preserves Uterus, Shortens Recovery Time
Philadelphia, PA, March 20, 2007 -- Women suffering from uterine fibroids now can choose a less invasive procedure to find relief: Fibroid embolization. Over
400 women have undergone fibroid embolization procedures at facilities of Albert Einstein Healthcare Network. And Einstein’s
Paul Brady MD, Director of Vascular and Interventional Radiology, explains why this choice makes sense.
“Fibroids are tumors that are not malignant and do not spread, and are very common. But as the tumor grows, many women develop
symptoms that might include bleeding, discomfort, and bloating. Fibroid embolization allows a woman to preserve her uterus,
particularly important for women who plan on having children; shortens recovery time, and lowers the post-surgical complication
rate,” said Dr. Brady.
The procedure entails placing a small catheter into the arteries that go to the uterus and injecting tiny particles that selectively
cut off the blood supply to the fibroid, causing the fibroids to shrink and die. As the fibroids die off, symptoms decrease.
The procedure requires an incision of about one/quarter inch – much less invasive than older procedures. The recovery period
also is much less than those for the more traditional procedures.
Traditional procedures to remove fibroids include hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) or myomectomy, which includes opening
up the uterus and removing fibroids, but perhaps not all of them. While hysterectomies have a 98 percent success rate and
fibroid embolization has a success rate of about 90 percent, the advantages of embolization – including keeping the uterus
and a shorter recovery time – make it preferable to many.
To learn more about uterine fibroid embolization, call 1-800-EINSTEIN and ask for the Interventional Radiology Department,
or call that department directly at 215-456-6200.
About Albert Einstein Healthcare Network
Albert Einstein Healthcare Network, is a 1,200 bed integrated delivery network serving the communities of North Philadelphia
and Montgomery County, PA. A founding member of the Jefferson Health System, Einstein combines the best of academic medicine
and community service, employing nearly 7,000 people, and offering training programs for physician residents and fellows,
nurses and other health professionals. The Network provides healthcare services through the Albert Einstein Medical Center
and Einstein at Elkins Park hospitals, its MossRehab and Belmont Behavioral Health divisions, Germantown Community Health
Services, Willow Terrace (a nursing home), Willowcrest (a center for subacute care), outpatient facilities such as Center
One and Einstein Neighborhood Healthcare, network of primary care and specialist practices throughout the community. For more
information, visit www.einstein.edu or call 1-800-EINSTEIN
CONTACT: Alexis Moore
Communications Director
Albert Einstein Healthcare Network
215-456-6734
mooreal@einstein.edu
Publish date: March 20, 2007
