Women’s Health
Advanced Interventional Radiology Treatments For Women
By combining advanced imaging technology with compassionate care, MCR provides women in Hampton Roads with proven solutions that improve quality of life while minimizing recovery time. Our interventional radiology for women’s health includes minimally invasive procedures like Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UAE) and Ovarian Vein Embolization, which are designed to relieve symptoms, preserve reproductive organs and increase your comfort, all without major surgery.
Who Does Chronic Pelvic Pain Affect?
This condition commonly occurs in women who have been pregnant. During pregnancy, the veins in the uterus and pelvic area become bigger due to increased blood flow. After childbirth, some veins may stay enlarged and weakened, which can cause chronic blood to gather and contribute to chronic pain.
A Minimally Invasive Solution for Fibroid Relief
Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE), also called Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE), is a highly effective, non-surgical treatment for women dealing with the disruptive symptoms of fibroids. Performed by our expert interventional radiologists at MCR, this advanced procedure targets fibroids directly—shrinking them, easing symptoms and preserving the uterus. Studies show that nearly 9 out of 10 women who undergo UAE experience significant improvement or complete relief.
Benefits Of Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE)
Living with uterine fibroids can cause heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pressure and cramping, frequent urination, painful intercourse and a feeling of fullness. Medical Center Radiologists offers Uterine Artery Embolization, an effective and safe interventional radiology procedure and alternative to major surgery. UAE offers many advantages over the traditional hysterectomy, including:
Pelvic Pain/Pelvic Congestion Syndrome
Chronic pelvic pain caused by pelvic congestion syndrome is typically located below the belly button. This condition can stem from various causes, including enlarged varicose veins in the ovaries and pelvic region. In pelvic congestion syndrome, faulty valves in the pelvic veins allow blood to flow backward and pool, leading to swollen, twisted veins. This buildup causes discomfort and aching pain in the pelvis, especially during or after sexual activity.
Ovarian Vein Embolization For Pelvic Congestion Syndrome
Interventional radiology for women’s health and Pelvic Congestion Syndrome involves a minimally invasive procedure called Ovarian Vein Embolization, performed by one of our fellowship trained interventional radiologists. Guided by X-ray imaging, our IR inserts a small catheter through a tiny incision in the groin or wrist to access the problematic veins.
Once in place, the catheter delivers embolic agents, or medications that close off the affected veins and reduce pressure. We will then remove the catheter and apply pressure. As it is a nonsurgical procedure, most patients resume normal activities the same day.
The Benefits Of Ovarian Vein Embolization
Ovarian Vein Embolization offers women a safe, effective and minimally invasive solution for managing pelvic congestion syndrome. This image-guided procedure is performed by fellowship-trained interventional radiologists and has been shown to be both safe and highly successful, with excellent long-term outcomes and low recurrence rates. Unlike traditional surgery, the Ovarian Vein Embolization procedure eliminates the need for large cuts or stitches and significantly reduces the risk of complications. By targeting and blocking the abnormal veins responsible for backward blood flow and pooling, Ovarian Vein Embolization relieves pressure in the pelvic region and provides lasting relief from chronic pelvic pain, heaviness and discomfort.
Another key benefit of Ovarian Vein Embolization is the quick recovery it allows. Most women are able to return home the same day and resume normal activities within just a day or two, avoiding the extended downtime that comes with open surgery. Because Ovarian Vein Embolization addresses the problematic veins without removing reproductive organs, it helps preserve fertility and overall reproductive health.
cutting-edge breast biopsy
To further examine a suspicious mass in the breast, your medical team may recommend a biopsy to remove a small sample of the abnormal tissue. MCR’s modern image-guided breast biopsy techniques are incredibly precise and less invasive for optimal comfort and effective results. Ultimately, they can provide important diagnostic information while helping patients to avoid traditional surgery. MCR’s breast biopsy methods include:
Stereotactic Breast Biopsy
This type of biopsy uses low-dose mammography to help locate abnormalities in the breast that need to be removed and examined more closely under a microscope. It is more powerful than ultrasound and can help visualize even the smallest masses. It is also a less invasive option than a surgical biopsy and causes no scarring.
Ductogram
Also called galactography, ductogram uses mammography plus a contrast injection to take detailed images of the breast’s milk ducts. It is typically suggested for women with clear or bloody nipple discharge who have had a normal mammogram. It can help locate masses within the ducts that may be the reason for the discharge.
MRI-Guided Biopsy
MRI-guided biopsy is a non-surgical type of breast biopsy that can take a closer look at lumps in the breast. Using MRI guidance, a small bit of tissue will then be removed to sample under a microscope to determine if the tissue is cancerous or not. Like ultrasound, MRI is a type of imaging that does not use radiation.
Ultrasound-Guided Breast Biopsy
This method of biopsy involves ultrasound (sound waves) to locate abnormalities in the breast that may require removal and further examination. This alternative to surgical biopsy does not involve exposure to radiation. Unlike traditional biopsy surgery, it does not scar.
Interventional Radiology For Women’s Health In Hampton Roads, VA
Many women experience unwanted symptoms that come with common women’s health problems. Interventional radiology for women’s health prioritizes patients’ comfort and quality of life through non-invasive methods. Through Uterine Fibroid Embolization, Ovarian Vein Embolization and breast biopsy, our team of interventional radiologists will help you find lasting relief and better health. For more information, call (757) 388-3401 today.
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