Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE)
Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE): A Minimally Invasive Treatment for Fibroids
Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) is a minimally invasive procedure that treats uterine fibroids by blocking their blood supply. This treatment helps shrink fibroids over time, alleviating symptoms without requiring major surgery.
What Are Uterine Fibroids?
Uterine fibroids, also known as uterine myomas, are non-cancerous growths made of muscle and fibrous tissue that develop in the uterus. Fibroids are common, affecting up to 80% of women by age 50, and can vary in size from small (pea-sized) to large (melon-sized).
While the exact cause of fibroids is unknown, their symptoms can include:
- Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding
- Pain or pressure in the pelvis
- Bloating or an enlarged abdomen
- Bladder or bowel issues
- Pain during intercourse
What Is UFE?
UFE is a specialized procedure performed by an interventional radiologist to treat symptomatic fibroids. By blocking the arteries that supply blood to fibroids, UFE causes the fibroids to shrink and symptoms to improve or resolve.
Am I a Candidate for UFE?
UFE may be a good option if:
- You have symptomatic fibroids, such as heavy bleeding, pelvic pain or pressure.
- You want to avoid surgery.
- You are not planning to have children in the future.
What To Expect During the Procedure
- 1. Preparation:
- You’ll be lightly sedated but awake during the procedure.
- A small catheter is inserted into a blood vessel in your wrist or groin.
- 2. Procedure:
- Tiny particles (about the size of sand grains) are injected into the uterine arteries.
- These particles block the blood supply to the fibroids, causing them to shrink.
- The procedure typically lasts 30–90 minutes.
- 3. After the procedure:
- You can eat and drink a few hours after the procedure.
- Expect moderate cramping, nausea and mild fever, which improve in a few days.
- Full recovery usually takes seven to 14 days.
Benefits of UFE
- Non-surgical: avoids the need for a hysterectomy or myomectomy
- Minimally invasive: performed via a small incision, typically in the wrist or groin
- Shorter recovery time: most patients return to normal activities within one to two weeks
- Preserves the uterus: a viable option for those wishing to avoid major surgery
Alternate Treatment Options for Uterine Fibroids
- Non-surgical:
- Observation (if asymptomatic)
- Hormonal medications to manage bleeding
- Minimally invasive:
- Radiofrequency ablation (uses heat to destroy fibroid tissue)
- Laparoscopic or robotic myomectomy (removes fibroids through small incisions)
- Surgical:
- Myomectomy (removal of fibroids)
- Hysterectomy (removal of the uterus)
Frequently Asked Questions
- UFE is less invasive than surgery and requires less recovery time.
- Unlike radiofrequency ablation, UFE treats multiple fibroids simultaneously.
- UFE is typically painless during the procedure. Some patients may experience cramping and mild discomfort afterward, which subsides within a few days.
- UFE is not recommended for women planning future pregnancies, as it may impact fertility.
- Symptoms often improve significantly within weeks to months as fibroids shrink.