What is UTERINE FIBROID EMBOLIZATION?

Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat fibroid tumors of the uterus which can cause heavy menstrual bleeding, pain, and pressure on the bladder or bowel. It uses a form of real-time x-ray called fluoroscopy to guide the delivery of embolic agents to the uterus and fibroids. These agents block the arteries that provide blood to the fibroids and cause them to shrink. Studies have shown that nearly 90 percent of women who undergo UFE experience significant or complete resolution of their fibroid-related symptoms.

SYMPTOMS & DIAGNOSIS

Many women who have fibroids don’t have any symptoms. In those that do, symptoms can be influenced by the location, size and number of fibroids.
In women who have symptoms, the most common signs and symptoms of uterine fibroids include:
  • Heavy menstrual bleeding
  • Menstrual periods lasting more than a week
  • Pelvic pressure or pain
  • Frequent urination
  • Difficulty emptying the bladder
  • Constipation
  • Backache or leg pains
Fibroids are generally classified by their location. Intramural fibroids grow within the muscular uterine wall. Submucosal fibroids bulge into the uterine cavity. Subserosal fibroids project to the outside of the uterus.

Treatment

What Is Trans-Radial UFE?

This state-of-the-art technique allows the procedure to be performed through the radial artery in the left wrist. Trans-radial access is an advanced treatment option that has fewer complications and less pain than the more commonly performed UFE treatment option that utilizes the femoral artery in the groin. Trans-radial access also allows patients to sit upright or walk immediately following thir UFE treatment, and has been proven to increase patient comfort and lead to faster recovery.

What Is Trans-Radial UFE?

This state-of-the-art technique allows the procedure to be performed through the radial artery in the left wrist. Trans-radial access is an advanced treatment option that has fewer complications and less pain than the more commonly performed UFE treatment option that utilizes the femoral artery in the groin. Trans-radial access also allows patients to sit upright or walk immediately following thir UFE treatment, and has been proven to increase patient comfort and lead to faster recovery.

UFE Treatment

Once you and your doctors(s) have determined that Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) is the right fibroid treatment option for you, here are some of the things you’ll need to know before, during and after treatment.
  • Before Treatment
  • Uterine Fibroid Embolization Treatment
  • After Treatment

BEFORE TREATMENT

Most women experience some degree of abdominal pain or cramping (similar to menstrual cramps) shortly after this treatment for uterine fibroids. Your doctor will decide what medications you will need to keep you comfortable. Generally patients receive medications for pain management at home. Occasionally a patient experiences fever, which is usually treated with medication. Some patients experience nausea related to medications and anti-nausea medication is provided or the medications may be changed accordingly. In rare cases, you could remain under observation for up to 23 hours, depending upon the decision of your physician.

Some patients may experience “post-embolization syndrome” following the uterine fibroid treatment which is described as having flu-like symptoms, such as a low grade fever, malaise (a vague feeling of discomfort), and mild nausea. Post-embolization syndrome can occur within a few hours or up to a few days after uterine fibroid embolization.

Once your IR has evaluated you and has decided you are ready for discharge, you will receive discharge instructions from your doctor. These instructions include information on post uterine fibroid treatment care regarding medications you will need to take to keep you comfortable based on how you are feeling. They may also include information on when you can expect to begin returning to normal activities, as well as all phone numbers for whom to call if you have questions. You may continue to experience some cramping, similar to menstrual period cramping, that lasts a few days after the procedure. Most women are able to return to light activity within a few days of the uterine fibroid embolization treatment and are usually back to work within 1 week. On average, post-procedure discomfort completely resolves within 11 days.

Finally, your IR will schedule your post-procedure appointments to check your recovery. Typical timeframes for these appointments are 1 week post-procedure, and 3 months post-procedure. Since follow up appointments do vary, be sure to ask when these appointments should be scheduled.

Uterine Fibroid Embolization Treatment

Uterine fibroid embolization, also known as uterine artery embolization is a minimally invasive procedure that is performed by an Interventional Radiologist (IR), a medical doctor with extensive experience in minimally invasive procedures. Prior to the procedure, some tests may have to be done. The entire fibroid treatment typically lasts around 1-2 hours, and is performed as an outpatient therapy going home the same day. Rarely, patients are observed for up to 23 hours after the procedure is complete.

The uterine fibroid embolization procedure begins with a tiny incision over the femoral artery in the upper thigh or over the radial artery in the left wrist. This provides the IR with access to the arterial system. Using specialized X-ray equipment, the IR passes a catheter (small tube) through the arteries to the uterine artery, and guides it near the location of the fibroid tumor. When the IR has reached the location of the fibroids, embolic material (small spheres) are injected through the catheter and into the blood flow leading to the uterine fibroid tumors.

The embolic material is designed to block the vessels around the fibroid, depriving it of the blood and oxygen it needs to grow. The blood and oxygen deprivation results in fibroids shrinking. The embolic material remains permanently in the blood vessels at the fibroid site. This kind of embolization procedure can permanently block blood flow the the tumors while allowing blood flow to return to the normal uterus.

After Treatment

Uterine fibroid embolization, also known as uterine artery embolization is a minimally invasive procedure that is performed by an Interventional Radiologist (IR), a medical doctor with extensive experience in minimally invasive procedures. Prior to the procedure, some tests may have to be done. The entire fibroid treatment typically lasts around 1-2 hours, and is performed as an outpatient therapy going home the same day. Rarely, patients are observed for up to 23 hours after the procedure is complete.

The uterine fibroid embolization procedure begins with a tiny incision over the femoral artery in the upper thigh or over the radial artery in the left wrist. This provides the IR with access to the arterial system. Using specialized X-ray equipment, the IR passes a catheter (small tube) through the arteries to the uterine artery, and guides it near the location of the fibroid tumor. When the IR has reached the location of the fibroids, embolic material (small spheres) are injected through the catheter and into the blood flow leading to the uterine fibroid tumors.

The embolic material is designed to block the vessels around the fibroid, depriving it of the blood and oxygen it needs to grow. The blood and oxygen deprivation results in fibroids shrinking. The embolic material remains permanently in the blood vessels at the fibroid site. This kind of embolization procedure can permanently block blood flow the the tumors while allowing blood flow to return to the normal uterus.

Patient Reviews

FAQ

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​Uterine fibroids are benign, noncancerous growths within or on the muscular walls of the uterus that range in size from ¼-inch to the size of a cantaloupe. They are relatively common and affect 20 percent to 40 percent of women of child-bearing age.
  • Heavy, prolonged menstrual periods
  • Premenstrual pelvic pain and menstrual cramping
  • Pelvic pain and/or pressure
  • Back, flank or leg pain
  • Urinary frequency or incontinence
  • Gastrointestinal symptoms, such as constipation or bloating
Uterine fibroid embolization is an alternative to traditional treatments that include the surgical removal of the fibroids (myomectomy) or removal of the entire uterus (hysterectomy). UFE is a minimally invasive image guided procedure that blocks the blood supply to the fibroids, causing them to shrink significantly.
UFE may be appropriate for patients who meet the following criteria:
  • Over the age of 18
  • Have symptomatic fibroids
  • Not pregnant
  • Malignancy not present or suspected
  • Wish to preserve the uterus
  • Wish to remain fertile
  • Do not have a pelvic infection