Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) is a minimally invasive treatment for fibroid tumors of the uterus. It has proved to be a very effective procedure that significantly or totally relieves the symptoms of fibroids without surgery or hormone treatment.

• Uterine Fibroid Embolization at TRA

  At TRA, uterine fibroid embolization is performed by a board certified interventional radiologist and has a shorter recovery time than for hysterectomy or surgical removal of fibroids (called myomectomy).

• Find TRA locations for Uterine Fibroid Embolization

  Search TRA Locations Interventional Radiology Outpatient Clinic

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• What is Uterine Fibroid Embolization and How Does It Work?

• Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE), sometimes referred to as uterine artery embolization (UAE), is performed under real time x-ray imaging called fluoroscopy. The interventional radiologist guides a small catheter (inserted into the femoral artery) to deliver small sphere-like particles to block the arteries that provide blood flow to the fibroids, causing the fibroids to shrink.

  

  Fibroid tumors, also known as myomas, are common, non-cancerous growths that develop in the walls of the uterus. It is extremely rare for them to turn cancerous. For many women, fibroids can cause pelvic pain, heavy menstrual bleeding and urinary frequency. Hormone therapy, myomectomy (surgical removal of fibroids) and hysterectomy (surgical removal of the uterus) have been the most common treatment options. Uterine fibroid embolization has been shown to be a less disruptive and highly effective alternative treatment for many women.

  Uterine fibroid embolization is usually performed after a thorough evaluation by a gynecologist. During this evaluation the diagnosis of fibroids is confirmed with ultrasound or MRI. Other causes for the patient's symptoms must be excluded

  UFE is a good option for a patient who has symptoms caused by fibroids and prefers a nonsurgical procedure. Because the effect of UFE on fertility is not fully understood, it is typically appropriate for women who no longer wish to become pregnant, although many women have had successful pregnancies after the procedure.

  Studies show that 78 to 94 percent of women having the procedure experience significant relief or total relief of symptoms. The procedure is effective even when multiple fibroids are involved.

  

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• What to Expect During Uterine Fibroid Embolization

• The actual procedure usually takes about 90 minutes, and is performed under conscious IV sedation.

  Once you have changed into a gown and are lying on the examining table, you will be connected to monitors that track your heart rate, blood pressure and pulse.

  

  You will have an intravenous (IV) line into a vein in your hand or arm so that sedative medication can be given intravenously. Your groin area where the catheter is to be inserted will be cleaned and draped.

  A board certified interventional radiologist makes a 1/4 inch incision in the groin and a small catheter is placed in the right femoral artery and guided under fluoroscopic x-ray to one or both of the uterine arteries that supply blood to the fibroid tumor(s). Tiny particles are injected into the uterine arteries through the catheter. The particles cut off the blood flow causing the tumor(s) to shrink over time. Before the catheter is removed, an angiogram/arteriogram is performed to verify that blood flow to the tumor is blocked.

  At the end of the procedure, the catheter will be removed and pressure will be applied to stop any bleeding. No sutures are needed.

  Once the catheter is removed, you will need to lie flat for 6 hours to promote blood clotting at the puncture site. UFE requires an overnight hospital stay.

  Patients commonly experience moderate to severe pelvic cramping and low grade fever for 24 to 72 hours after the procedure. This is expected and generally well tolerated with pain medications.

  Once home, you will have prescriptions for pain and other medications. You should be able to return to your normal activities in about a week to 10 days. You will also be given instructions to follow, including what to do should you experience any concerning symptoms.

  

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• How to Prepare for Uterine Fibroid Embolization

• You will receive detailed instructions at your consultation appointment about how to prepare for the procedure. Please feel free to call the Interventional Radiology clinic at (253) 284-0841 if you have any additional questions.