Uterine Fibroid Embolization
(UFE)
Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) is a minimally invasive procedure for the treatment of uterine fibroids. The process typically lasts less than an hour and requires only a small nick in the skin. The procedure blocks the blood supply to the uterine fibroids, causing them to shrink. As one of the alternatives to hysterectomy procedures, UFE is clinically proven to reduce the major symptoms of uterine fibroids.
According to a study conducted in multiple treatment centers that compares UFE to a hysterectomy (1), UFE offered a shorter hospital stay, a faster return to work, and fewer complications after 30 days.
According to a study conducted in multiple treatment centers that compares UFE to a hysterectomy (1), UFE offered a shorter hospital stay, a faster return to work, and fewer complications after 30 days.
Another study found that overall, 90% of all women were satisfied or very satisfied at final follow up (2). Commonly reported risk factors and complications associated with UFE are transient amenorrhea, common short-term allergic reaction/rash, vaginal discharge/infection, possible fibroid passage, and post-embolization syndrome (post-procedure pain, fever, malaise, and leukocytosis). For more comprehensive information, please see the other possible risks and complications associated with uterine fibroid embolization.
Potential Benefits of Fibroid Treatment with UFE:
- Preservation of the uterus
- Decrease in heavy menstrual bleeding from symptomatic fibroids
- Decrease in urinary dysfunction
- Decrease in pelvic pain and/or pressure
- Removes the need to surgically remove the uterus and possibly the need for hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
- Virtually no blood loss
- Covered by most insurance companies
- Out-patient procedure (generally lasting 10 to 23 hours)
- More confidence with less chance of soiling events
- Overall significant improvement in patient's physical and emotional well-being
- Overall, uterine fibroid embolization is a safe procedure and treatment for uterine fibroids that involves minimal risk
(1) Spies J et al. Outcome of uterine embolization and hysterectomy for leiomyomas: results of a multicenter study. American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology 2004;191: 22-31.
(2) Lohle, P. et al. Long Term Outcome of Uterine Artery Embolization for Symptomatic Uterine Leiomyomas. JVIR 2008; 19:319-326
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