Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) or Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE) has proven successful in significantly decreasing or eliminating fibroid related symptoms of bleeding, pressure and pain in women with large or multiple uterine fibroids. Uterine Fibroid Embolization is a minimally-invasive alternative to surgery used to treat women who are having symptoms from fibroids. This procedure requires a specialized physician who carefully places a small catheter into the uterine arteries and inserts small particles that block the blood supply to the fibroids which causes them to shrink and allow symptoms to be alleviated. This treatment usually takes 1 to 2 hours and requires one night stay or less in the hospital. The procedure does not require general anesthesia and recovery time is significantly reduced compared with surgical alternatives. Currently this procedure is FDA approved for women with symptomatic uterine fibroids who have no desire for future pregnancy.
What is Uterine Fibroid Embolization?
Uterine fibroid embolization, is a minimally invasive procedure that is performed by an Interventional Radiologist. An Interventional Radiologist is a medical doctor who has extensive experience in diagnostic and vascular radiology. The physician accesses the arteries connected to the fibroids through a small catheter and administers a solution with small particles called microspheres. The microspheres block the vessels around the fibroid, depriving it of the oxygen it needs to grow. The oxygen deprivation results in the fibroids shrinking. The microspheres remain permanently in the blood vessels at the fibroid site and protect the fibroid from regrowth.
What should I experience during the treatment?
The entire fibroid treatment typically lasts one to two hours, and is performed as an outpatient therapy. Patients usually have to stay up to 23 hours after the procedure is complete. The uterine fibroid embolization procedure begins with a tiny nick done in the groin area. This small opening provides the IR with access to the femoral artery in the upper thigh. Using specialized X-ray equipment, the Interventional Radiologist passes a catheter (small tube) into the femoral artery, to the uterine artery, and guides it near the location of the fibroid tumor. When the doctor has reached the location of the fibroids, microspheres (small spheres) are injected through the catheter and into the blood flow leading to the uterine fibroid tumors.
The catheter is then moved to the other side of the fibroid tumor using the same small opening in the thigh. Once the Interventional Radiologist has completed embolization of the uterine artery on both sides, the catheter is gently removed. After holding the puncture site for a few minutes to help stop any bleeding, the Interventional Radiologist closes the incision.
Once the procedure is complete, you may experience some discomfort such as abdominal cramping or pain. You and your doctor will determine at that point what medications may be needed to keep you comfortable.
Life after the Treatment
On average, 85-90 percent of women who have had the procedure experience significant or total relief of heavy bleeding, pain and/or bulk-related symptoms. The procedure is effective for multiple fibroids and large fibroids and recurrence of treated fibroids is very rare.
FAQ
What types of fibroids can be treated?
Your physician will determine if your fibroids are suitable for treatment. Uterine Fiboird Embolization can be used for submucosal, subserosal, and intramural uterine fibroids. These are terms that are used to describe the location of the fibroid within the uterus. More than one fibroid can be treated per procedure. Fibroids that are pedunculated (hanging from a stalk) may be untreatable.
Could my fibroids come back after the treatment?
Although this treatment may be successful in destroying the fibroids causing painful symptoms, at a later time, new fibroids may grow, become symptomatic and require additional treatment. This is true for all fibroid treatments, except hysterectomy where the entire uterus is removed
What are the benefits of Uterine Fibroid Embolization?
- Effective alternative to surgery and hormonal treatment
- Completely non-invasive - no surgery and no blood loss
- Minimal hospital stay
- Quick return to normal activities
- Preserves the uterus, cervix and ovaries
- Significant improvement in your quality of life
- Medical Therapy
- MR Guided Focused Ultrasound
- Uterine Artery Embolization
- Surgical Therapy
- Alternative Therapy
