At VIP, we treat uterine fibroids with Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE). Also known as Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE), Uterine Fibroid Embolization is a minimally invasive procedure that is commonly used to treat symptomatic uterine fibroids and provide relief from heavy menstrual bleeding and pelvic pain in women who are premenopausal.
Effective Treatment
85% of women report feeling satisfied with the procedure or experiencing sustained relief from heavy menstrual bleeding and pelvic pain.
Minimally Invasive
UFE is the least invasive treatment for uterine fibroids.
Clinically Proven
UFE is supported by multiple clinical studies and nearly two decades of practice.
Keep Your Uterus
Pregnancy is possible after UFE.
Fast Recovery
Hospital stay is not required, most women return to their normal activities within 1 week. Recovery time is significantly less than having a hysterectomy.
UFE Procedure
Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) shrinks fibroids by injecting microbeads that block the fibroid’s blood supply.
Uterine Fibroids
How Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) Works
Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) works by cutting off the fibroids’ blood supply. Small beads are injected through a thin catheter into the target vessels feeding the fibroid. These beads block the blood supply, starving the fibroids of the oxygen and nutrients they need to maintain their size. Over the weeks following treatment, the fibroids become smaller, and symptoms associated with uterine fibroids such as pelvic pain and heavy menstrual bleeding are reduced.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE)
What Are The Advantages of UFE?
Minimally-invasive – Uterine fibroid embolization requires only a single, pencil-tip-sized incision through which a catheter tube is inserted and guided to the uterine fibroids. Uterine fibroid embolization is performed in an outpatient setting, typically in a radiology suite, by an interventional radiologist. The procedure length can be as short as 1 hour but varies based on the number of fibroids that require treatment. The average recovery time is approximately 1 week before patients are able to resume their normal activities [3].
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
What Are The Disadvantages of UFE?
Recurrence – Subsequent treatment following UFE may be required. In one study, 27 percent of women underwent hysterectomy due to recurrence of symptoms up to five years after the time of initial UFE [1]. Another study found that women treated with UFE were more likely to require further intervention within 2 years of their procedure compared to women initially treated with myomectomy or hysterectomy [2].
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].
How Does UFE Compare to Other Options?
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
Evaluation for UFE—Is it Right for Me?
Your interventional radiologist will obtain a thorough medical history from you and conduct a physical examination. Additional ultrasound or MRI imaging may be ordered to definitively diagnose your uterine fibroids or to verify the characteristics of your fibroids prior to your UFE procedure. The decision to proceed with UFE is one that will be made together with you and your VIP Specialist. Contact Us Today.
