Treatment of Uterine Fibroids

What are fibroids?

Fibroids are benign (non-cancerous tumors of the uterus, composed of smooth muscle found normally in the uterus.  They are called myomas or leiomyomas.  Click here for more details concerning the symptoms and treatment of uterine fibroids.

Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE)

Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) is a nonsurgical alternative to hysterectomy in the treatment of uterine fibroids.  If you are suffering with symptoms from uterine fibroids, you may be a candidate for UFE.  The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, and in most cases, you will be back to your daily rountine within four to five days.  

UFE is performed by Interventional Radiologists (IR). These physicians are specifically trained in image-guided procedures, meaning that you do not need to undergo invasive surgery.  An IR uses x-ray imaging to see the fibroids.  Only a tiny nick in the skin (less than the width of one's pinky finger) is all that is necessary to gain access to the fibroids, using image-guided catheters which are similar in size to a piece of spaghetti. 

UFE is conducted at Emory-Adventist Hospital at Smyrna at The Center for Image-Guided Procedures.  John Lipman, MD, FSIR serves as the Medical Director.  His practice,  Atlanta Interventional Institute is located on the campus of Emory-Adventist Hospital.  Dr. Lipman has the largest experience in UFE in the Southeast, as well as one of the largest in the world.  

**Read about one woman's personal experience with uterine fibroids by clicking here.