Uterine artery embolization has been used for more than 30 years to treat excessive bleeding after childbirth. In the past six years the procedure has been used to treat fibroids. Recently, Dr. Mody conducted a research study to determine the success rate for patients for whom he had performed the procedure.
Uterine fibroids are the most common tumors of the female genital tract.
One third of those women will develop significant symptoms including pain, pressure and excessive bleeding. To date, nearly 5,000 fibroid embolizations have been performed in the United States. Lin Hlivko is one of those women. Then, when an ultrasound revealed fibroids pressing on her kidney, and more severe symptoms occurred, Hlivko turned to uterine fibroid embolization. According to Dr. Mody, the treatment helps to successfully shrink the fibroid growths by blocking the supply of blood to the fibroids.