Fibroids are the most common tumors of the female reproductive system, and more than 99 percent of the time are benign (non-cancerous).
Fibroids can vary greatly in size, from less than a centimeter to as large as melon. Fibroids may be asymptomatic but can also cause heavy periods, pain and pressure, constipation, urinary frequency, and bloating. Traditionally treatment options have included hysterectomy and monitoring depending on patients’ clinical presentation and desire for future pregnancy.
Uterine fibroid embolization is a non-surgical and minimally invasive procedure that is successful in 9 out of 10 patients in improving or resolving their symptoms from uterine fibroids.
Uterine fibroid embolization is exclusively performed by trained vascular and interventional radiologists via inserting a small catheter via the wrist or the groin. The incision is less than 3 mm. The catheter is then advanced into the uterine arteries on both sides. These arteries are then blocked using small particles, as large as grains of sand causing blockage of blood flow to the fibroids and shrinking them over time. This procedure is successful in 9 out of 10 patients.
Certain conditions can make you ineligible for UFE. These conditions include but are not limited to active infection, endometrial cancer, extremely large fibroids, and desire for fertility preservation.
You will most likely be discharged on the day of procedure or the day following the procedure with oral pain medications. You can resume your normal activities within a few days. Our physicians will follow you in one-two months to assess your response to the procedure.
If you are interested to learn more about UFE, please contact us and we will schedule you for a consultation with one of our expert physicians.
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