Uterine Fibroid Embolization

Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE)

Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) live chat

On May 22, Chesapeake Regional Medical Center will host a live, interactive chat from noon to 1 p.m. Dr. Victor Lewis III, director of interventional radiology, will lead the discussion and answer questions about uterine fibroid symptoms and treatment options, including UFE, a minimally invasive procedure.

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A link to the event will be posted on the Chesapeake Regional home page on the day of the chat.

Excessive bleeding or pain during menstruation?

Uterine fibroids could be the cause. Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous tumors in the uterus. They are fairly common and are not usually a problem, but in some cases they can interfere with normal body functions. Uterine fibroids can be the cause of several conditions. You may experience heavy and uncomfortable periods. This may be accompanied by pain in the pelvis, lower back or abdomen.

Some women feel the need to urinate frequently and have painful bowel movements. Only a doctor can determine the cause of these conditions, but if your doctor determines that your discomfort is being caused by fibroid tumors then you may be a candidate for Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE).

Treatment options

Today there are options available that are far less invasive than a traditional hysterectomy. As medical science advances, patients face a sometimes dizzying array of choices. Working with you, we can help you choose your best option. Traditional therapies have included drug regimens and surgery, but UFE is an effective approach that may be your best treatment choice.

Treatment innovation

UFE is a fairly new and highly successful procedure. The treatment causes the fibroids to shrink. You avoid major surgery and recover faster. If you suffer from excessive pain, bleeding and frequent urination associated with uterine fibroids, call for an appointment to discuss Uterine Fibroid Embolization with the most experienced UFE team in Southeastern Virginia.

Most UFE patients have minimal discomfort, are released from the hospital after an overnight stay and are back to their routines in about a week.

Chesapeake Regional is a UFE Center for Excellence

We are #1 in Southeastern Virginia for UFE procedures and Dr. Lewis has performed more UFE procedures than any other doctor in Virginia.

Interventional radiology is on the forefront of technology

Interventional radiology, a sub-specialty of radiology, is one of the fastest growing sub-specialties in medicine today. Physicians who specialize in this evolving medical field use such image-guided technology as MRIs, CT scans, X-rays and ultrasounds to navigate small catheters and catheter-based instruments, thus reducing the need for large incisions or general anesthesia. Angioplasty was one of the first IR procedures. Today, there are dozens and the list is growing fast.

IR procedures, like UFE, pose less risk, require less recovery time and less intensive sedation, and are more cost-effective than more conventional surgeries. Sometimes, these procedures are the only viable option for critically ill patients unable to tolerate a surgical procedure.