Uterine Artery Embolization
Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE), also known as uterine artery embolization, is a minimally invasive procedure in which the blood flow of the uterus is intentionally reduced causing the fibroid tumors to shrink. It alleviates or improves fibroid symptoms 90% of the time.
The procedure is performed by making a tiny nick in the skin in the groin and inserting a tube, known as a catheter, into the femoral artery. Using x-ray imaging, the catheter is guided through the arterial system and into the arteries supplying the uterus. Tiny particles, the size of grains of sand, are then injected into the uterine arteries to block the blood flow to the fibroid.
Recovery Time
Fibroid embolization is done in an outpatient setting in our office with no overnight stay. Pain-killing medications and drugs that control swelling typically are prescribed following the procedure to treat cramping and pain. Many women resume light activities in a few days and the majority of women are able to return to normal activities within seven to ten days
Treatment Options
If you do not have symptoms, treatment is probably unnecessary. Your doctor may want to continue to monitor your fibroids. If you do have symptoms, several options are available.
Medical Treatments
Birth control pills can often decrease heavy bleeding. Other hormone treatments can shrink fibroids, but these treatments may cause menopause-like side effects such as hot flashes and bone loss. Fibroid symptoms usually return when medical treatment stops.
Surgical Treatments
Surgical treatment options include hysterectomy, which is the removal of the uterus, and myomectomy, the removal of just the fibroids. While these options are generally effective, they require general anesthesia and lengthy recovery times and carry risk of surgical complications. Many women are not candidates for myomectomy because of the size, number, or location of their fibroids. Fibroids commonly recur after myomectomy.