• The hospital is the first to perform the Fibroid embolization procedure in Uganda.

• The new unique procedure has helped over 25 women diagnosed with fibroid.

In a camp run by C-Care International Hospital Kampala (IHK), it was recorded that over 25 women successfully underwent a Fibroid Embolization surgery, marking a medical first for the country. Prior to this in January 2022, IHK had the first successful procedures of Uterine Fibroid Embolization led by Dr. Josiais Padi from Merit International South Africa and Dr. Hassan Kabiito from IHK.

Women of African heritage are more likely than other women to have fibroids, and many Ugandan women who are of reproductive age do. Uterine Fibroids are non-cancerous growths that can occur in women during the childbearing years; Fibroid Embolization is a non-surgical procedure for women of all ages in need of fibroid treatment.

Between March 3rd to 5th, 2023, the camp took place, and over 450 consultations were carried out at the hospital throughout the camp. Dr. Hassan Kabiito, the in-house interventional radiologist at C-Care IHK, worked with medical professionals from the Aga Khan University Hospital in Nairobi to complete the Fibroid Embolization Camp.

According to Dr. Kabiito, IHK, “Many patients hold the myth the surgery is the only treatment option to resolving fibroids but in Uganda”. He explained that the new procedure is an alternative to the commonly known myomectomy surgery to remove fibroids, with further explanation on Embolization which involves the targeted cutting of blood supply to a particular part of the body. He noted that the procedure is a viable option for those who have symptomatic fibroids and is minimally invasive with a faster recovery time available.

Uterine fibroids can cause pain or heaviness in the pelvis or lower abdomen, protracted menstrual cycles, uncomfortable sex, and fertility problems. Symptoms are often significantly relieved following fibroids embolization. Normal menstrual cycles may persist, and heavy periods may become commonplace.

Although fibroid embolization has a success rate of about 98%, there is a tiny proportion of women who cannot receive UFE treatment because their fibroids receive blood from the ovarian arteries in addition to the uterine artery. Surgery may not be required in many people, though, as this approach often suffices.

Also, fibroid embolization treats all sizes and numbers of fibroids because it is a targeted therapy that aims at the fibroids that can selectively be reached irrespective of the size and number. 

C-Care International Hospital Kampala was established in 2000 and ever since has pioneered several national medical procedures including the first open heart surgery, laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery, laser surgery, and ERCP. As a  tertiary, multispecialty hospital, C-Care IHK stresses patient health and provides cutting-edge care to meet the evolving requirements of the expanding population.

It is renowned for its high-quality healthcare and medical advancements, which are easily accessible to people from all across the East African region. It is the first in Uganda to carry out Fibroid embolization.