Glendale
Heights – An alarming 20 to 40 percent of middle-aged women have
uterine fibroids that cause symptoms including back pain, heavy bleeding or
frequent urination. Learn about a minimally invasive procedure that treats
fibroids without dangerous surgery: uterine fibroid embolization (UFE).
Dr. Michael Sichlau, an
interventional radiologist, will present a program on the procedure at 6 p.m.
Feb. 24 at Adventist GlenOaks Hospital,
701 Winthrop Ave.,
second floor, Heart & Vascular Institute classroom, Glendale
Heights. The class is free, but space is limited. To reserve a
seat, call (630) 856-7525 or visit www.keepingyouwell.com/agh.
Light refreshments will be served. The reception begins at 6 p.m. and check-in
starts at 6:30 p.m. for the 7 p.m. lecture.
Doctors don’t know what causes
uterine fibroids, which are non-cancerous growths. They range in size from
small seedlings, undetectable to the human eye, to large, bulky masses that can
distort the uterus – sometimes expanding to reach the rib cage. Uterine
fibroids often have symptoms that go undetected, such as:
- Constant
pelvic pain
- Heavy
menstrual bleeding
- Anemia
- Frequent
urination
- Constipation
- Back pain
- Infertility
Nearly one third of all hysterectomies performed
each year are to treat fibroids.
“With hysterectomy, patients pay a permanent price
that may not be necessary,” Sichlau said. “Every woman who is advised to have
this surgery for uterine fibroids should get a second opinion.”
Patients stay at the hospital overnight and need
only one week of recovery, compared to six weeks for a hysterectomy. In
addition to being easier on patients, there are no incisions involved in UFE,
no scaring and no pain or blood loss. The American College
of Obstetrics and Gynecology states there is scientific proof that UFE is a
“safe and effective option” for women.
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Adventist Midwest Health includes Adventist
Bolingbrook Hospital, Adventist
GlenOaks Hospital,
Adventist Hinsdale
Hospital and Adventist La Grange