A Growing Problem for Many Women

Leslie Scott (left), pictured with fellow teacher Lisa Lombardi, gives high marks to Riverview Medical Center for treating her uterine fibroids without hysterectomy.

More than 30 percent of women in the U.S. are living with uterine fibroids, noncancerous growths that develop in the muscular wall of the uterus. Some women can live for years without any symptoms. However, the size and location can lead to pain, a feeling of fullness, heavy bleeding, frequent urination, and painful intercourse.

For years hysterectomy has been the most effective method of treatment. Now there is another option. Uterine artery embolization (UAE) is a minimally invasive procedure that may help patients avoid the risks and side effects associated with hysterectomy.

UAE involves placing a small catheter into an artery in the groin and directing it to the blood supply of the fibroids. Little plugs are injected through the catheter to block these arteries, causing the fibroids to shrink.

Leslie Scott of Little Silver can speak to the merits of UAE. In 2006, Leslie was ready to begin her new career as a math teacher at Middletown High School North.

While her gynecologist had mentioned she had fibroids years earlier, she had never had any symptoms or discomfort. But on her first day of teaching she realized the problem had become more serious. "I was experiencing heavy bleeding, and I was weak and dizzy," explains Leslie. "I never made it past the nurse's office that morning!"

Riverview Medical Center–affiliated gynecologist Kelly Hammond, M.D., evaluated Leslie and immediately knew the fibroids had changed. Calling ahead to the hospital, she asked Leslie to meet with Pranav Shah, M.D., a vascular and interventional radiologist affiliated with Riverview. Dr. Shah said she was a good candidate for UAE, which most of the time is a same-day procedure. Most important, it often allows women to avoid a surgical hysterectomy

"Results are usually felt within days," explains Dr. Shah. "Short-term benefits include a reduction in bleeding and cramping. Within six months of the procedure, fibroids and the uterus can shrink up to 30 percent to 50 percent in volume, resulting in improvement in pressure, back pain, and urinary tract symptoms."

On average, 85 percent to 90 percent of women who have the procedure experience significant or total relief from heavy bleeding and pain.

Leslie was back to work in a week. "Since I was starting a new job, there was no way I could take time off to recover from a hysterectomy. I was thrilled to hear there was another option that had a quicker recovery time," Leslie says. "Although it was a scary time for me, Dr. Shah and his team put me at ease throughout the ordeal. This was two years ago, and I haven't experienced any abnormal bleeding since."

–Sara Scipioni

About The Doctor

Hammond, Kelly C., M.D. Board certified in Obstetrics/Gynecology Little Silver, NJ  07739 (732) 842-0673

Shah, Pranav N., M.D. Board certified in Vascular & Intervent Radiology Red Bank, NJ  07701 (732) 747-1429