Fibroids & Interventional Radiology |
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 Interventional Radiology Offers New Hope |
| Sarasota Interventional Radiology |
| Interventional Radiologist Dr. Gerald Grubbs |
| Fibroid Tumor Information: An Overview |
| FYI: Some facts about Uterine Fibroids |
| Signs of Uterine Fibroid Tumors |
| Diagnosing Fibroid Tumors |
| What to Expect During Treatment |
| Your 1st Appointment |
| The Night Before Your Procedure |
| The Day of Treatment |
| The Treatment: Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) |
| The Effect on Fertility |
| After Treatment |
| Other Treatment Options |
| » Watchful waiting |
| » Medications |
| » Hysterectomy |
| » Myomectomy |
| New Treatments Becoming Available |
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Interventional Radiology Offers New HopeThe rapidly growing specialty of Interventional Radiology offers those with uterine fibroid tumors a new minimally invasive approach for diagnosis and treatment that holds the promise of less pain, a quicker recovery and a better quality of life. |
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Sarasota Interventional RadiologyInterventional radiology is the surgery of the 21st century and it is revolutionizing modern health care by changing the way we treat a host of conditions.
Uterine fibroids are just one example. In the past, surgical interventions such as hysterectomy and myomectomy where the only options available if fibroid tumors began to interfere with daily life. Now, Interventional Radiology offers a minimally invasive alternative, called Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) that carries with it with minimal risk.
Our fibroid tumor treatment program is also generally less costly and time-consuming – treatment usually takes less than an hour - than traditional surgical treatments. And happily, most women undergoing the procedure experience a much quicker recovery period.
We believe in treating the whole person at Sarasota Interventional Radiology. We understand the adverse affect fibroids tumors can have on the quality of your life. That’s why you and your family can count on our support through every step of the process, from providing critical information to making sure you’re comfortable when you receive treatment.
Our office will be happy to try to accommodate any special needs you may have and will inform you of any special preparations you need to make before your appointment. |
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Interventional Radiologist Dr. Gerald GrubbsA native of Tennessee, Dr. Gerald Grubbs attended college and medical school there before going on to complete his residency at the University of Tennessee in Diagnostic Radiology.
Excited at how the new field of interventional radiology was revolutionizing minimally invasive surgery – and by the benefits it held for patients – the doctor took a Fellowship in Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology at the Miami Cardiac and Vascular Institute at the Baptist Hospital of Miami. It was there he learned the basics of many of the procedures he’s now performing. In 1993, after completing his Fellowship, Dr. Grubbs received his Board Certification in Interventional Radiology from the American Board of Radiology.
The following year, Dr, Grubbs moved to the Suncoast and joined Naples Radiologists, P.A. doing diagnostic as well as vascular interventional radiology. In 2006 he opened his own practice, Sarasota Interventional Radiology. Here he brings his skills in imaging, his procedural expertise, his experience in research and his clinical practice to offer minimally invasive diagnostics and treatments for patients whose conditions would have once required open surgery.
The author of numerous articles and a noted lecturer, Dr. Grubbs lives with his wife and two children in Osprey.
Learn more about Dr. Grubbs background and experience |
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Fibroid Tumor Information: An OverviewFYI: Some facts about Uterine Fibroids :
- Uterine fibroids are noncancerous tumors that grow in or on the uterus.Approximately 20 – 40% of women over 35 have fibroid tumors.
- Fibroid tumors are much more prevalent among African-American women, with some studies indicating as many as 80% will develop them.
- Fibroids can range from the size of a golf ball to the size of a cantaloupe. Doctors generally measure fibroids by comparing them to size of the uterus during pregnancy. Large ones may cause the uterus to grow to the size of a six or seven month pregnancy.
- Of the 600,000 hysterectomies performed every year in the United States, one third are due to fibroids.
- Women may develop a single large fibroid or a cluster of smaller ones.
- Because fibroids are sensitive to hormonal changes, symptoms may appear cyclically.
- Because of increases in estrogen before the onset of menopause, their size and accompanying symptoms may increase at that time. Similarly, the onset of menopause, and the accompanying decrease in estrogen may cause them to shrink.
- Women on hormone replacement therapy may experience an increase in the size of, and symptoms related to, their fibroids.
The quality of life for many women with fibroid tumors is quite good. Others may grow accustomed to symptoms such as an enlarged abdomen and excessive bleeding during menstruation and continue with their regular routines. However, when symptoms become severe and affect your day-to-day routine, it’s time to see your doctor. |
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Signs of Uterine Fibroid TumorsThe symptoms associated with fibroid tumors are similar to those of other health issues. Should you experience any of them, see your doctor to determine their cause.
- Heavy and often prolonged menstrual bleeding, sometimes with clots. The clots can cause soiling.
- Anemia, which is excessive fatigue caused by low red blood count.
- Pelvic pain.
- Painful intercourse.
- Pressure on the bladder that leads to a constant need to urinate, or to urinary incontinence.
- Constipation and/or bloating that are due to pressure on the bowel.
- An enlarged abdomen that is sometimes mistaken as weight gain or pregnancy.
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Diagnosing Fibroid TumorsWhile most women will undergo an ultrasound at their gynecologist’s to determine the presence of fibroid tumors, MRI has proven much more effective and so it has become the standard imaging tool used by interventional radiologists. Sarasota Interventional Radiology is pleased to be able to offer our patients the latest in MRI cutting edge technology.
By providing a definitive diagnosis, MRI improves the level of care, allowing better for treatment options and better outcomes. That’s because an MRI can determine if a tumor can be treated effectively using embolization or if pursuing another course of treatment would be more effective. |
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What to Expect During TreatmentYour comfort is of primary concern to all of us at Sarasota Interventional Radiology. We understand that this can be a difficult time and treatment – even non-invasive treatment – can be stressful. That’s why we want you to know what you can expect during your visit with us. The better informed you are, the more comfortable you’ll be. Of course, if you have any questions at all, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’ll be happy to address any concerns you might have. |
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Your 1st AppointmentLocated in a serene setting on Cattleman near University just east of US 75, Sarasota Interventional Radiology is located on the first floor of the new Axcess Center.
We suggest arriving about 15 minutes before your appointment. You’ll be greeted by one of our two patient advocates. Highly trained and compassionate, your advocate will collect all your pertinent information and facilitate contact your insurance company.
You’ll then have a consultation with Dr. Grubbs, where he will review your medical history and discuss your planned course of treatment, taking you through the process step by step so you are informed and aware.
Before leaving the office, you’ll receive written instructions on how to prepare for your treatment. |
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The Night Before Your ProcedureHere’s what you need to do the night before to prepare for your procedure. It’s important you follow these instructions carefully, or it will be necessary to cancel your treatment that day. More importantly, failure to follow these instructions could be dangerous.
- Have nothing to eat or drink for at least 6 hours prior to your procedure.
- Take all of your normal medications before 8am with only one ounce of water. Do not take anything else or we will have to cancel your treatment that day.
- Bring a list of all your current medications and the doses you are taking.
- If you have an inhaler at home, you must bring it with you when you come in for your procedure.
- If you are a diabetic, start your medication once you resume your diet.
- If you are a diabetic taking insulin, wait until you have eaten to use your insulin.
- You cannot drive after your procedure for the remainder of the day. You must make arrangements to have someone drive you home.
- Please leave all your valuables at home. You won’t need them.
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The Day of TreatmentA nurse and board-certified anesthesiologist will prep you for your treatment. You’ll be administered what is called “conscious sedation”, which will allow you to wake up right away after your procedure – another of the benefits of minimally invasive treatment. Of course, in the extremely rare circumstance of complications occurring, Dr. Grubbs is always available. |
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The Treatment: Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE)Dr. Grubbs will insert a catheter into the femoral artery through a tiny nick in the skin in the groin. Using real-time imaging, Dr. Grubbs guides the catheter through the artery and releases tiny particles the size of sand – approved by the FDA - into the uterine arteries that block the supply of blood to the fibroid, causing it to shrink and die.
Among women who have the treatment, 85-90% experience significant or total relief from their symptoms. In a study of one group of women followed for six years, no tumor treated with UFE reappeared. Indeed, UFE has been shown to be a successful as surgery, while causing less serious complications. |
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The Effect on FertilityMany women have become pregnant following uterine fibroid embolization (UFE). In fact, one study showed women having UFE had the same number of successful pregnancies as those who had myomectomy. However, before any definitive conclusions can be drawn, more studies will be needed. |
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After TreatmentMost women are able to resume light activity within a few days and the majority are able to return to their normal lifestyle within seven to ten days.
Of course, discharge instructions will vary. It is essential you follow them carefully. |
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Other Treatment OptionsA number of other treatment options are available and should be considered in consultation with your gynecologist. |
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- Watchful waiting. Because fibroids are not cancerous and do not interfere with pregnancy, watchful waiting is often the best course of action f you exhibit no symptoms.
- Medications. While they do not destroy fibroids, a number of medications are available that can help regulate your menstrual cycle, treating heavy bleeding, clotting and pelvic pressure.
- Hysterectomy. While it is the only proven solution to eliminating fibroids, it is major surgery and ends the possibility of pregnancy. If you also choose to remove your ovaries, it will bring on menopause.
- Myomectomy. While this surgery preserves the uterus and the possibility of bearing children, there is the risk of fibroids returning.
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