Uterine Fibroid

A uterine fibroid is a noncancerous tumor that develops within the uterine wall. One third of all women suffer from uterine fibroids, which can grow as a single tumor or in clusters.

Fibroids can cause excessive menstrual bleeding, pain, bloating and discomfort. While not all fibroids require treatment, many women choose to have them removed when bleeding or other symptoms become severe.

Expert, Patient-Centered Diagnosis and Care

Advances in surgical technology allow women to select from a variety of options for treatment. These include minimally invasive surgical techniques that reduce the pain and risk associated with more traditional open surgery.

Greenwich Hospital surgeons specialize in minimally invasive techniques to remove fibroids including:

Myomectomy

This surgical procedure can be performed with the daVinci Robotic System. The technology’s enhanced 3-dimensional visualization and control enables surgeons to remove the fibroid while preserving the uterus and eliminating the need for a hysterectomy. For this reason, this technique is often recommended for women who may someday want to consider pregnancy.

Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE)

This minimally invasive, nonsurgical procedure shrinks fibroids by restricting their blood supply. An interventional radiologist injects tiny particles through a catheter that is guided into the uterine arteries. These particles block the blood supply to the fibroids causing them to shrink and die.

UFE requires only a small incision, an overnight hospital stay, and a short recovery period. These advantages make it easier and less traumatic than surgery for many women. UFE is highly effective for 9 out of 10 women.