What is a uterine fibroid embolization?
Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) is an alternative to the surgical removal of fibroids or the surgical removal of the entire uterus. By decreasing blood flow to the fibroids, related symptoms such as pain and excessive bleeding are resolved. The procedure is minimally invasive resulting in less downtime and quicker recovery when compared to the surgical options.
About UFE
Who can benefit from a UFE?
The primary reason that a woman may elect to undergo a uterine fibroid embolization is to get relief from problematic symptoms that the fibroid or fibroids may be causing. While most fibroids are benign, they can cause pain, pressure, heavy bleeding, anemia, and, in rare cases, fertility issues.
For many women, these symptoms are troublesome enough to warrant undergoing the procedure. Add to that its high efficacy rate, minimal invasiveness, and quicker recovery, and it’s a better choice than some other fibroid treatments.
How is UFE performed?
Fluoroscopy, a real-time x-ray, guides the doctor to the correct areas where they will deliver embolic agents, like very fine grains of sand, to the arteries that supply blood to the fibroids. These embolic agents block the blood supply to the fibroid, which causes it to shrink. The procedure is safe and effective, relieving most patients of fibroid symptoms.
Read our detailed UFE description for more information on uterine fibroids, the UFE procedure, and what to expect if you’re getting the procedure.
What are the benefits of UFE?
The benefits of Uterine Fibroid Embolization include:
- Non-surgical: UFE is a less invasive alternative to surgical options for treating uterine fibroids, such as hysterectomy.
- Quick recovery: UFE typically results in a faster recovery time than surgery, with many patients able to return to normal activities within a few days.
- Reduced risk of complications: UFE has a lower risk of complications than surgical options for treating uterine fibroids, such as infection and bleeding.
- Preserved fertility: UFE preserves the uterus, allowing women to maintain fertility, which is not the case with hysterectomy.
- Relief of symptoms: UFE has been shown to effectively relieve symptoms associated with uterine fibroids, such as heavy menstrual bleeding, pain, and pressure on the bladder and rectum.
- Reduced size of fibroids: UFE has been shown to reduce the size of uterine fibroids, resulting in improved symptoms and improved quality of life.
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veincenter@mplsrad.com
2800 Campus Drive, Suite 20
Plymouth, MN 55441
