Treatment of fibroids in Dammam: First successful injection procedure without surgery
In a groundbreaking development in healthcare services in the Eastern Province, the Eastern Health Cluster announced the success of a specialized medical team at the Maternity and Children's Hospital in performing the first procedure of its kind to treat uterine fibroids using injection via interventional radiology catheterization. The procedure was performed on a 47-year-old patient who had been suffering from severe and persistent bleeding due to these fibroids, and it was completely successful without any complications, offering hope to many women facing the same problem.
What are fibroids and what are their treatment options?
Uterine fibroids, also known as leiomyomas, are benign (noncancerous) tumors that develop in the wall of the uterus and are among the most common conditions affecting women of reproductive age. Symptoms vary from woman to woman but may include heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, bladder pressure, and, in some cases, fertility problems. Historically, treatment options have been limited and have tended toward major surgical solutions, such as myomectomy (removal of the fibroid) or hysterectomy (removal of the uterus), procedures that require general anesthesia and a long recovery period.
Interventional radiology: A revolution in treatment
The procedure performed at Dammam Maternity Hospital, known internationally as Uterine Fibroid Embolization, is a modern and less invasive alternative. This technique involves inserting a very thin catheter through an artery in the groin and guiding it with X-rays until it reaches the arteries supplying the fibroid with blood. Tiny particles are then injected to block these arteries, cutting off the blood supply to the fibroid and causing it to shrink and atrophy gradually, thus eliminating associated symptoms. Among the most significant advantages of this procedure are that it preserves the uterus, requires a much shorter recovery period compared to traditional surgery, and is performed under local anesthesia.
The importance of the achievement and its impact on healthcare in the Kingdom
This medical success represents a significant achievement not only for the Maternity and Children's Hospital in Dammam, but for the Kingdom's healthcare system as a whole. It reflects the substantial advancements in medical services provided and underscores the ongoing commitment to adopting the latest global treatment technologies. Making such advanced procedures available locally reduces the need for patients to travel abroad for treatment and alleviates their suffering. This development also aligns with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 and the Health Sector Transformation Program, which focus on improving the quality of healthcare and providing integrated and innovative services to citizens and residents.
