Overview
Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) is a minimally invasive, non-surgical alternative to hysterectomy for the treatment of uterine fibroids. The procedure works by blocking blood flow to fibroid tumors, causing them to shrink and relieving associated symptoms.
UFE is performed by specially trained interventional radiologists and is one of the most commonly offered procedures at Vascular and Interventional Partners in Phoenix. Most UFE treatments are completed on an outpatient basis, although some patients may require an overnight hospital stay. The procedure has a high success rate, with approximately 85 percent of women experiencing significant improvement in symptoms.
Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids
- Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding
- Pelvic pressure or lower abdominal pain
- Lower back pain
- Leg pain
- Pain during intercourse
- Frequent urination
- Constipation
Uterine fibroids may occur as a single growth or in clusters and can develop in various locations, including within the uterine wall, inside the uterine cavity, or on the outer surface of the uterus. Fibroids vary widely in size, ranging from as small as 1 millimeter to more than 8 inches in diameter. Because every case is different, treatment plans are tailored to each patient’s symptoms, fibroid size, and overall health.
Types of Fibroids
Intramural Fibroids
Common type, grow within the muscular wall of the uterus, causing uterine enlargement.
Subserosal Fibroids
Create a bulge and pressure on surrounding organs on the uterus’s outer surface.
Submucosal Fibroids
Develop beneath the inner lining, protruding into the uterine cavity, leading to heavy menstrual bleeding.
Pedunculated Fibroids
Grow on a stalk inside or outside the uterus, causing symptoms based on location.
Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids
Menstrual Irregularities
Weighty and prolonged periods, longer or more frequent menstrual cycles, pelvic pressure or pain during periods.
Urinary and Digestive Issues
Frequent urination, difficulty emptying the bladder, constipation
Abdominal Changes
Growing stomach area
Pain and Discomfort
Pain in the stomach area or lower back, discomfort during sexual intercourse.
Serious Complications (Rare)
Sudden, severe pain if fibroids outgrow their blood supply and begin to die.
Benefits vs Risks
Like all medical procedures, uterine fibroid embolization (UFE carries potential risks. However, for most patients, the benefits significantly outweigh those risks.
Benefits
- Less invasive than open or laparoscopic surgery for uterine fibroids, resulting in fewer side effects
- No stitches required
- Minimal scarring
- General anesthesia is usually not required, reducing anesthesia-related risks
- Very little to no blood loss in most cases
- Relatively quick recovery, typically within five to seven days
- Highly effective, with studies showing that nearly 90 percent of women experience significant symptom improvement
- Low risk of fibroid recurrence, since UFE treats all existing fibroids at the same time, including early-stage growths
Risks
- Injury to nearby blood vessels, as well as bruising or bleeding at the puncture site
- Infection in the uterus or at the puncture site, even with preventive antibiotic use
- Embolic material traveling to unintended areas and reducing blood flow to healthy tissue
- Allergic reactions to anesthesia or contrast material
- Possible weakening of the uterine wall, which may complicate future pregnancies and increase the likelihood of cesarean delivery
- Rare cases of early menopause
- Passage of fibroid tissue, which may require a dilation and curettage procedure
FAQ
1. How successful is uterine fibroid embolization?
Clinical studies show that nearly 90 percent of women who undergo uterine fibroid embolization experience significant or complete relief of their symptoms.