Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE)

Uterine Fibroid Treatment

Uterine Fibroid Embolization
Uterine fibroid embolization is a treatment procedure for fibroid tumors in the uterus that utilizes modern technology to ensure minimal invasion into the body and to avoid unnecessary surgeries. It is a great alternative to other treatment methods such as hormonal therapy or surgery. Fibroid tumors in the uterus are known to cause menstrual pain, heavy bleeding, and even pressure on the bowel or bladder. It is, therefore, important that they are diagnosed and treated early by a professional doctor to avoid complications and ensure the process is successful.

Uterine Fibroid Embolization Treatment
Uterine fibroid embolization treatment works simply by blocking the blood flow to fibroids in the uterus and causing them to shrink. In an UFE procedure, the physician (known as a radiologist) uses a real-time X-ray on a video screen, known as fluoroscopy, to direct the delivery of embolic agents / small particles into the uterus and fibroids. These embolic agents are carried through a thin and flexible tube known as a catheter. The particles build up in the targeted arteries and block the blood flow to the fibroids, causing them to shrink.

Some of the crucial benefits of uterine fibroid embolization include:

Helping women get relief from menstrual bleeding and pain caused by fibroid tumors
Helping prevent recurrence of fibroids, unlike with hormonal therapy and laser treatments of uterine fibroids
Fewer risks of complication and less time required for recovery than in traditional surgery, because the treatment is minimally invasive
Precision delivery of small particles to the necessary arteries to block blood flow to fibroids
No requirement for general anesthesia and virtually no blood loss in the process
High success rate (Almost 90% of all women treated with the UFE procedure report significant or complete success in the treatment of their fibroid-related problems.)

What To Expect

Before the Procedure
During the Procedure
After the Procedure

Before the Procedure

Before the treatment, some imaging of the uterus is done either by ultrasound or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) to assess the fibroids and determine their location, size, and number. In some cases, a gynecologist may take a direct look at the uterus through laparoscopy.

It is important that you let the doctor be aware of all medications you are taking, any allergies you may have especially with anesthesia or contrast materials, any recent illnesses you may have contracted, any possibility of being pregnant, or any medical conditions you have.

Your doctor may instruct you not to have any food or drink after the midnight right before your procedure. They may also give you medications to take on the morning before the procedure.

During the Procedure

During the procedure, the doctor first gives the patient local anesthesia before making a small needle stick in the artery near the wrist or groin. They then insert the catheter into the artery and guide it toward the uterus using a real-time x-ray video screen. The embolization particles are then pumped through the catheter into the artery until the blood stops flowing to the fibroids completely.

The catheter is then repositioned and directed to the other uterine artery for the same process. After the embolization process is complete, the catheter is removed and the incision covered to stop bleeding. In most cases, the patient can immediately ambulate and is discharged home within a few hours.

After the Procedure

All women that undergo the UFE procedure experience different degrees of pelvic pain, as well as possible mild nausea, low-grade fever, and discomfort. The discomfort arises as a result of the fibroid tissue being deprived blood flow resulting in its slow death. The discomfort is more severe during the first 24 hours after the procedure but gradually disappears in the course of the next one to two weeks.

After being discharged, you will get some medications for pain to take home. The fibroids will shrink massively in size over the next six months and the results may be different for each patient. Bleeding problems often stop immediately after the procedure.