Fibroids are the most common tumors of the female reproductive system, and are benign (non-cancerous) more than 99 percent of the time.
Fibroids can vary greatly in size, from less than a centimeter to as large as a melon. Fibroids may be asymptomatic but can cause heavy periods, pain, pressure, constipation, urinary frequency, and bloating.
Traditional treatment options have included hysterectomy or monitoring, depending on a patient’s clinical presentation, and desire for future pregnancy.
Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) is a non-surgical and minimally invasive fibroid treatment that is successful in 9 out of 10 patients in improving or resolving symptoms from uterine fibroids.
Uterine fibroid embolization is performed by our vascular and interventional radiologists who will insert a small catheter via the wrist or 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, similar to grains of sand, causing blockage of blood flow to the fibroids and shrinking them over time.
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 follow-up with you to assess your response to the procedure.
If you would like to learn more about UFE and our doctors who perform this procedure, please contact us to schedule a consultation.
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