Geek’s 2007 SIR Abstract Report 3: Pregnancy after MRgFUS for Uterine Fibroids – First Experiences

This is the third installment of my geeky science series on the abstracts and posters presented at the Society of Interventional Radiology’s 32nd annual Scientific Meeting held March 1 – March 6, 2007.

Pregnancy after MRgFUS for Uterine Fibroids: First Experiences

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Geek’s 2007 SIR Abstract Report 2: Post-Embolization Syndrome: Leukocytosis after Uterine Artery Embolization

This is the second in my series of geeky reports on the abstracts and posters presented at the Society of Interventional Radiology’s 32nd annual Scientific Meeting held March 1 – March 6, 2007.

Post-Embolization Syndrome: Leukocytosis after Uterine Artery Embolization

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Geek’s 2007 SIR Abstract Report: Comparison of Partial to Complete Uterine Fibroid Embolization

The Society of Interventional Radiology held its 32nd annual Scientific Meeting from March 1 – March 6, 2007. Multiple abstracts and posters were presented. I’ll try my best to discuss as many of the fibroid-related ones as I can. Yes, this is (hopefully) the first in a series of very geeky reports.

A Prospective Randomized Comparison of Partial to Complete Uterine Fibroid Embolization

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ExAblate 2000 (MRgFUS) non-invasive fibroid treatment receives two new associated approvals by the FDA

Received an email message from a visitor who wanted to pass along this information about the additional ExAblate 2000 approvals by the FDA. Thanks for the update!

From the email message:

The FDA approved new software that allows the ExAblate 2000 incisionless surgery procedure to be performed more efficiently by permitting more sonications during the same treatment window. This means that women with fibroids can be treated faster and women with larger fibroids may now be eligible for the outpatient procedure. The greater the area of the fibroid that a physician can treat, the greater the symptom relief. The agency is also allowing the system to be used with a more powerful open MRI machine, which means the physicians will have an even more precise view inside the woman’s body.

You can click the links to view the full press releases on Insightec’s web site but I included excerpts…

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What’s involved with pre-op testing before a fibroid procedure?

I sense that some of you get a little nervous about pre-op testing so here’s some information. I’ll start with a quote from Lab Tests Online that provides a guide on test preparation:

One of the most important factors in determining the accuracy and reliability of your lab test is you, the patient. After all, it is a sample from your body (blood, urine, or some other specimen) on which the test will be performed. Therefore, it is essential that you do the following to ensure that the results will be useful:

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Yet another letter addressed to my cervix

Checked the mail and there it was. A message signed by my dashing young fibroid doctor (AKA Mighty Mouse):

I am happy to inform you that your recent Pap smear returned within normal limits.

These results are from an exam I had about 3 weeks ago. Everything is fine. My fibroids are shrinking. My symptoms have vastly improved. I feel well. In fact, I’m not scheduled for another exam by my GYN until next year. Read the rest of this entry »

Another meeting with the debonair fibroid doctor

That would be my Interventional Radiologist (AKA Batman). I had my 6-month post-UFE MRI on last Wednesday. Stay tuned for that post because the experience was pretty funny. Remember my first MRI? Much better this time.

So, I saw my IR on yesterday. The rest of this post is taken directly from a comment I left on one of my update posts in response to Aly Fibroids who just HAD to know my results:

I was so excited because I KNEW everything had to be smaller. I feel so well. Things just must look better inside.

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What questions should I ask my fibroid doctor during follow-up visits after my procedure?

ask doctors questions post-opReceived an email request for a thread on post-Abdominal Myomectomy questions to ask during a follow-up visit. I have a previous post that list questions to ask a fibroid doctor but most of those deal with information you need pre-op. I’ll tweak a few from that post and stick them here for you to ask post-op: Read the rest of this entry »

What questions should I ask my fibroid doctor?

Continuing my series on fibroid doctors with this final post. I am fortunate to have many contributors here who add helpful comments. A good one on questions to ask a uterine fibroid doctor was left by fibroid free. I’ve edited them slightly to apply to all surgeries or procedures.

ask doctors questions

  1. What is your background or specialty (e.g. OB/GYN, GYN surgeon, Reproductive Endocrinologist, Fertility specialist, Interventional Radiologist)?
  2. How long have you been performing this surgery or procedure?
  3. How many have you performed?
  4. How many have turned into a hysterectomy? (This, of course, if you have not chosen hysterectomy.)
  5. What is the risk that you will need to do another type of procedure once the surgery starts?
  6. Read the rest of this entry »

How do I evaluate or rate a fibroid doctor?

This is the second post in a series on fibroid doctors. Once you find a doctor, it is vital to feel comfortable with that professional. Medical knowledge is important but never underestimate good communication skills. Medicine is both a science and an art. Make sure your doctor practices both.

PBS is airing Remaking American Medicine. I am impressed by the amount of information there including this great list on evaluating a doctor: Read the rest of this entry »

How do I find a good local fibroid doctor?

This is the first in a series of separate posts on fibroid doctors. Finding a good local medical professional is key to getting the best fibroid care you can. I’m the first to admit that locating a doctor can be difficult. Hopefully, this will assist in that process.

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Does my Interventional Radiologist remind me of a comic book character?

The second of my post-UFE appointments was on Thursday. This time, I saw the Interventional Radiologist for a brief meeting to discuss my health over the past 2 weeks. I felt great. Hadn’t experienced much pain. Bleeding was limited. The only problem was the constipation and that lasted about a week.

Happy to discover that the doctor had visited the site. Extended the invitation after my UFE and he stopped by. That was cool. Not sure how many of my blog posts the IR actually saw because he was still talking to me and seemed impressed. :-D

Thanks, Doc. You are in the right place at the right time doing the right thing. Your dedication to helping women by performing this Uterine Fibroid Embolization procedure is much appreciated.

So, does the “debonair fibroid doctor” remind me of a comic book hero?
Yes. Batman. Definitely. He’s intelligent, extremely focused, and plays with gadgets.

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Related Posts:
How do I find a good local fibroid doctor?
How do I evaluate or rate a fibroid doctor?
What questions should I ask my fibroid doctor?
The debonair fibroid doctor