Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) Visalia CA
Heavy menstrual bleeding and pelvic pain are telling symptoms of uterine fibroids.
Find relief! See a Fibroid Specialist in Visalia, CA.
UFE Procedure
Effective Treatment – 85% of women report that they are satisfied with the procedure or experience sustained relief from heavy menstrual bleeding and pelvic pain
Minimally Invasive – uterine fibroid embolization is the least invasive treatment for uterine fibroids
Fast Recovery – hospital stay not required, most women return to their normal activities within 1 week
Clinically Proven – UFE is supported by multiple clinical studies and nearly two decades of practice
Keep Your Uterus – pregnancy is possible after UFE
Our fibroid center is conveniently located in downtown Visalia, California at the corner of Locust Street and East Acequia Avenue. Schedule your visit today!
Dr. Ashkan Shahkarami
Vascular & Interventional Specialist
Dr. Bennett K. Abe
Vascular & Interventional Specialist
Dr. Francisco E. Valles
Vascular & Interventional Specialist
See A Fibroid Specialist in Visalia, CA
UFE is most effective for intramuscular fibroids as well as some types of submucosal fibroids. Intramuscular fibroids grow within the muscular uterine wall while submucosal fibroids grow under the inner uterine lining called the endometrium.
A catheter is inserted near the groin through a single puncture and navigated to the uterine arteries.
Embolic particles are injected into the fibroids to block blood flow through the vessels that feed them.
The fibroid starves and shrinks without its primary blood supply. Symptoms are relieved as the fibroid shrinks.
Advantages of Uterine Fibroid Embolization
Effective – Compared to other surgical options, such as hysterectomy (complete removal of the uterus) and myomectomy (surgical excision of uterine fibroids), UFE has proven to be equally effective and safe. Studies measuring efficacy through both patient reported symptom reduction and satisfaction have found equal or better results with UFE compared to more invasive surgical interventions. UFE has been effective in alleviating pelvic pain and heavy menstrual bleeding for up to 10 years after the procedure date [3]. Women with smaller fibroids may experience greater symptom relief.
Pregnancy Possible – The uterus is preserved and pregnancy is still possible after the procedure. There are several reported cases of women having healthy children after having the UFE procedure done
Disadvantages of Uterine Fibroid Embolization
Pregnancy Uncertain – While the uterus remains intact, The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists makes no recommendation regarding UFE in women who desire a future pregnancy, as the effect of UFE on pregnancy and fertility remains understudied [3].
Questionable Efficacy on Some Symptoms – Some studies have indicated no statistically significant improvement in symptoms such as sensation of pressure in the lower abdomen, frequent urination at night, and urinary incontinence following UFE [3].
See A Fibroid Specialist in Visalia, CA
When it comes to fibroid treatment, you really have three viable treatment options:
- Uterine Fibroid Embolization – minimally invasive devices are used to block blood flow to fibroids, causing the fibroids to shrink
- Hysterectomy – the uterus is surgically removed, removing the fibroids along with it
- Myomectomy – fibroids are surgically cut from the uterus
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References
[1] vanderKooij SM, Bipat S, Hehenkamp WJ, et al. Uterine artery embolization versus surgery in the treatment of symptomatic fibroids: a systematic review and meta analysis. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2011; 205:317.e1.
[2] Gupta JK, Sinha A, Lumsden MA, Hickey M. Uterine artery embolization for symptomatic uterine fibroids. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2014; CD005073.
[3] vanderKooij SM, Hehenkamp WJ. Uterine fibroids (leiomyomas): Treatment with uterine artery embolization. UptoDate. Accessed March 2020.
Medical Disclaimer
The Materials available on visaliavips.com are for informational and educational purposes only and are not a substitute for the professional judgment of a healthcare professional in diagnosing and treating patients.