Published in The Woman Today magazine, June/July 2016 issue
An Innovative Treatment for Uterine Fibroids: Minimally Invasive Procedures
at St. Luke’s
Monthly periods for women are generally a mere inconvenience. But for some
women, they can be a significant disruption in their everyday lives.
Britt Johnson of Duluth never had any issues until after giving birth to
her three children. After trying several different types of birth control,
and noticing no changes, Britt’s doctor referred her to St. Luke's
Obstetrics & Gynecology Associates. “I was so frustrated that
nothing seemed to be working,” said Britt. Upon hearing Britt’s
symptoms and previous treatment attempts, her gynecologist diagnosed her
with uterine fibroids. Due to her reluctance to have a hysterectomy, she
was referred to Dr. Naveen Gowda, a St. Luke’s interventional radiologist,
to alleviate them using a minimally invasive treatment—uterine fibroid
embolization.
Uterine fibroids are pelvic growths that are attached to the inside or
outside of the uterus, or the uterine walls. The growths are typically
benign, but can cause discomfort if left untreated. Dr. Gowda explained,
“Uterine fibroids are common, and many women go through the struggle
of finding an effective treatment.” It is estimated that up to 75
percent of women have uterine fibroids at some time in their life. Despite
being a common health issue, generally women are not aware of uterine fibroids.
Talking about women’s reproductive health is not always easy. “This
is such a sensitive topic, but Dr. Gowda was so forthcoming. He helped
me feel more comfortable,” Britt explained. “I asked a lot
of questions since I am a biology instructor at Lake Superior College,
and I wanted to share some information with my class. Dr. Gowda answered
everything without hesitation.”
The choice for Britt to try treatment using an interventional radiology
procedure was easy. “My alternative was a hysterectomy. I didn’t
want that, so I was very excited about the possibility presented by Dr.
Gowda,” said Britt. “He was quiet and compassionate, and he
explained the procedure to me extremely clearly.” During the uterine
fibroid embolization procedure, Dr. Gowda used state-of-the-art imaging
technology to inject embolic agents into the artery supplying the uterine
fibroid, blocking its blood supply. Without blood, the fibroid shrinks and dies.
Uterine fibroid embolization is far less invasive than traditional surgery
and has a high success rate of about 90 percent. Dr. Gowda stated, “If
more women were aware of this procedure, I think they would choose it
as a treatment option.” In the rare cases that this procedure is
not successful, surgery can always be performed as a last resort. Britt’s
procedure, performed in St. Luke’s hybrid operating room, is one
of numerous success stories of uterine fibroid embolization.
“St. Luke’s hybrid operating room is one of the best in the
nation,” said Dr. Gowda. “We used to only have 2D imaging,
now we have 3D imaging and can do a larger variety of minimally invasive
procedures with less radiation.” Britt only needed a small incision
and the procedure was quick, lasting about one hour. She was discharged
from St. Luke’s on the same day as her procedure. “Patients
only need to stay hospitalized for three to six hours after this procedure,”
explained Dr. Gowda. “They might experience some nausea or cramping,
but we manage their post-operation pain effectively so there is not much
discomfort at all.”
Even though Britt’s stay at St. Luke’s was short, the exceptional
care she received continued after her discharge. “Dr. Gowda called
me both before and after the surgery to check in and see how things were
going,” said Britt. “He was helpful and involved throughout
the entire process, even my recovery at home.” Because the procedure
does not require traditional surgical incisions, the recovery time, like
the hospital stay, is short. “I had the procedure done on a Friday
and was back to work by Monday morning,” Britt said. In comparison,
it can take up to six weeks to heal from a traditional hysterectomy surgery
with a two- to three-day hospital stay.
Britt no longer experiences symptoms of uterine fibroids and her frustrating
search for an effective treatment is over. “Having this procedure
work after so many years of struggling was amazing,” said Britt.
“I had a great experience at St. Luke’s and having a positive
outcome made it even better.”
For other women experiencing uterine fibroids, Britt suggests, “Explore
all of your different options, including uterine fibroid embolization.
It’s not a well-known option in Duluth, but it is so great, it surprises
me that more women don’t know about it.”
BELOW: Dr. Naveen Gowda, St. Luke's interventional radiologist, talks
with his patient Britt Johnson