U N D E R T H E M I C R O S C O P E
Other concerns include an increased risk for infection , heart disease , uterine cancer and infertility . Only 10 percent of hysterectomies are done for a cancer diagnosis ; the remaining 90 percent are considered elective .
In your opinion , have western societies ‘ normalised ’ invasive surgeries ?
There has been tremendous progress in achieving better results by doing minimally invasive procedures through a tiny pinhole . For example , most heart treatments are done through a catheter that can be inserted through an artery using guided imagery . There are many surgical specialties such as colon and rectal , gynaecology , urology and neurological , to name a few , that have led to surgeons specialising in specific surgeries .
Advances in minimally invasive procedures , where catheters that are as thin as a hair deliver treatment directly to the diseased area through a puncture the size of a pinhole , have translated into tremendous benefits for the patient . These types of non-invasive techniques are done by an interventional radiologist . This is really the future of medicine to deliver medicine and treatment , such as uterine fibroid embolisation , through tiny pinholes , removing the need for major surgery .
What are the benefits of nonsurgical fibroid treatment ?
Uterine fibroid embolisation ( UFE ) a nonsurgical fibroid treatment maintains a woman ’ s fertility and gives back the quality of her life . During UFE , a thin catheter is inserted through an artery in the wrist or groin and tiny particles are injected to stop blood flow to the fibroids . UFE involves less pain , fewer risks than surgery and a higher success rate than hysterectomies or myomectomies .
Other benefits include :
• Painful fibroid symptoms , including heavy periods , are relieved
• Successful pregnancy is possible after UFE because the uterus is left intact
• The uterus is not cut away any uterine tissue
• Multiple fibroids can be treated at the same time
• There is no hospital stay – patients go home the same day as the procedure
• Patients resume everyday activities quickly and feel better within one to two weeks
Why is there a lack of awareness about nonsurgical fibroid treatment ?
Women do not know about fibroid symptoms and treatment because no one educates them . There is a stigma around discussing menstrual cycles and many women cannot recognise abnormalities .
Minimal invasive options to treat this very common condition . It is disappointing that these options are rarely discussed in length , and many women are unaware of the risks that hysterectomies and myomectomies pose . The healthcare system needs to consider the experience and preferences of the most important person , the patient . Until these things change , the status quo will remain the same .
Some physicians remain untrained in newer , less invasive approaches and perform hysterectomies because that is all they offer . Clinicians need to learn about updated , evidencebased treatments , such as UFE to treat patients with uterine fibroids , and better understand the benefits of nonsurgical fibroid treatments .
What technologies are supporting healthcare professionals in recognising symptoms and preventing future neglect of Uterine Fibroids ?
Even with technological advances , it still starts with asking the patient the right questions and looking at their chief complaints and symptoms . The advance of ultrasound has made it extremely accurate to look at the uterus . Certain patients can benefit from an MRI to better identify the size and location of fibroids .
At USA Fibroid Centres , a comprehensive , evidence-based consultation is performed . Once the diagnosis is made , a treatment plan can be tailored to the patient ’ s symptoms , medical history and desire for fertility . UFE has improved so that all patients who undergo UFE experience relief from their symptoms .
What does the future of hysterectomies and fibroid treatments look like for US women ?
I hope the future of hysterectomies will be rare and only an elective choice instead of the first option . UFE or other new developments will become the proven way for women to regain their lives from painful symptoms of fibroid disease and maintain their fertility . Despite minimally invasive UFE being approved for over 25 years , many physicians still remove a women ’ s organ , which is equal to a castration . We need to educate women and healthcare providers to put an end to this . There is no reason an organ should be removed to treat a benign tumour . �
www . intelligenthealth . tech 61