Posted on 11/19/2004 6:08:20 PM PST by JustaCowgirl
Nov. 19, 2004 - Secretary of State-designate Condoleeza Rice underwent a relatively new procedure today to relieve uterine fibroid symptoms, according to published reports.
Rice, 50, is "out of surgery and resting comfortably" at Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, said deputy national security advisor Jim Wilkinson in a statement to CNN. The procedure took an hour and a half, he said. Rice was expected to return home tomorrow and go back to work on Monday.
Uterine fibroids are the most common, noncancerous tumors in women of childbearing age, according to the National Institutes of Health. Uterine fibroids affect about 25% of all women in the U.S., and more than 200,000 women have hysterectomies every year due to uterine fibroids.
Common symptoms of uterine fibroids include heavy periods, bleeding between periods, and pelvic pain. Some fibroids can affect a woman's ability to get pregnant.
Treatment is based on the severity of symptoms and whether a woman wishes to have children in the future. Treatment for uterine fibroids is not necessary if the woman is having no symptoms. For mild symptoms, such as mild irregular bleeding, treatment can include birth control pills to help shrink the uterine fibroids and make periods more regular. For more severe symptoms, such as severe, irregular bleeding and pelvic pain, surgery may be necessary. Surgery can include removal of the uterine fibroid itself (called a myomectomy), removal of the entire uterus (hysterectomy), or embolization of the fibroid.
What Is Uterine Fibroid Embolization?
Uterine fibroid embolization is a relatively new method for treating fibroids. It is done to cut off the blood supply to the fibroid. This slows their growth and eventually causes them to shrink. The procedure takes from one to three hours, and the woman is awake but sedated.
During uterine fibroid embolization a small cut is made in the crease at the top of the leg to access the femoral artery. A small catheter is inserted into the artery. The arteries that supply the blood to the uterine fibroid are injected with small particles, which block blood supply to the fibroid.
The surgeon continues to add the particles until the blood supply to the uterine fibroid is cut off completely or nearly completely. Other uterine tissue remains unharmed by uterine fibroid embolization because it is supplied by other arteries.
Pelvic pain is common for six to 12 hours following this procedure. Pain medication is given to control this pain if needed. The woman can return to usual activities in seven to 10 days.
Uterine fibroid symptoms improve in about 85% of women following uterine artery embolization. However, uterine fibroids may eventually return.
There is little risk with uterine fibroid embolization. However, possible problems include infection, premature menopause, and formation of scar tissue that may cause pain. Because the effects on fertility are unknown, it is not recommended for women who wish to have children.
It's ronery in here!
It certainry is!
Ribroid surgery is what Astro the dog has. Dr. Rice has fibroid surgery. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I can avoid it myself, despite docs pushing in that direction.
As a menopausal-aged woman who's had no children and hasn't breastfed, she's at a much higher risk for various medical problems down the road.
God bless her. Hope she gets well soon.
One heck-of-a woman in more ways than one.
Ribroid????
The sheer imbecelic irony of a female named Rice receiving an injection of embolizing small particles makes me want to quit cooking.
Geez, why is this my business?
Well, I wish Dr. Rice, Astro and you all well in your various procedures!
That's what they all say. Don't be too surprised if we see her next with 42 double d's and a permanently surprised look on her face.
That's just wrong!
I hope she gets well soon, and the fibroids don't grow back.
Women of her age in Ireland (where I am) are normally referred for a hysterectomy if they have on-going fibroid problems.
Hope Ms. Rice doesn't require such invasive surgery.
ROTFL! You mean like the 'San Fran Nan' Pelosi "Deer in the headlights" look?
My prayers are with her.
Too much information, IMO. Started with Klintoon's bent you-know-what, and continues to this day. We don't need to know, mediots!
Thanks for the well-wishes though!
She's giving up more than just a family by not having kids. Lot's of more risks associated with not having kids. For women that is.
Of course she doesn't have those wicked creases in her forehead and around her mouth from making faces at misbehaving kiddies.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.