Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) is a non-surgical minimally invasive treatment alternative to myomectomy or hysterectomy. Our physicians specialize in UFE to treat women afflicted with fibroid tumors. Contact Fresno Fibroid Center to learn more about uterine fibroid embolization and the best treatment for you.
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What is Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE)?
Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) is a less invasive procedure for the treatment of uterine fibroids.
The process typically lasts 1-2 hours and requires only a small incision into the femoral artery in the upper thigh or a tiny puncture in the left wrist to access the radial artery. The procedure is designed to block 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.
BENEFITS | RISKS & COMPLICATIONS | IS IT RIGHT FOR ME? | UFE TREATMENT
Typical Benefits
- Preservation of the uterus
- Decrease in heavy menstrual bleeding from symptomatic fibroids
- Decrease in urinary dysfunction
- Decrease in pelvic pain and/or pressure
- Virtually no blood loss
- Covered by most insurance companies
- This procedure lasts approximately 1-2 hours. Most patients will either go home 4-6 hours after the procedure or stay one night in the hospital while they recover
- UFE offers a shorter hospital stay, a faster return to work, and fewer complications after 30 days when compared to having a hysterectomy(1).
- 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 is a treatment for uterine fibroids that involves minimal risk
- 90% of all women were satisfied or very satisfied at final follow up(2).
Risks and Complications
(As with any medical procedure, discuss all risks and complications with your physician)
- Non-target embolization (unintentional delivery of particles into an artery other than the uterine artery)
- Transient amenorrhea (temporary absence of a women’s menstrual period)
- Temporary allergic reaction/rash
- Vaginal discharge/infection
- Possible passage of dead fibroid tissue fragments
- Post-embolization syndrome (post-procedure pain, fever, tiredness, and elevated white blood cell count)
- Premature menopause
- The effects of UFE on the ability to become pregnant and carry a fetus to term, and on the development of the fetus, have not been determined
Is UFE Right for Me?
Find out if you are a candidate for uterine fibroid embolization.
UFE Treatment
Take some time to understand the UFE treatment procedure before you make your decision on your fibroid treatment option. Learn what to expect before, during and after the UFE treatment.
Source References
- 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.
- Lohle, P. et al. Long term outcome of uterine artery embolization for symptomatic uterine leiomyomas. JVIR 2008; 19:319-326
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