Uterine artery embolization, also known as uterine fibroid embolization, is a non-surgical, treatment option for symptomatic fibroids. It effectively cuts off the blood supply to these fibroids. Potential benefits of UFE include:
- Preservation of the uterus
- Decrease in menstrual bleeding associated with symptomatic fibroids
- Decrease in urinary dysfunction
- Decrease in pelvic pain and/or pressure
- Virtually no blood loss
- Covered by many insurance companies
- Overnight stay in the hospital
What To Expect
You will first be seen in our interventional radiology clinic for evaluation and a pre-procedural MRI. This is to access your fibroids and determine if UFE is the right treatment option for you. Then, you will speak to the nurse or IR to discuss the procedure. Please bring a list of any allergies or medications you take when you come in. At that time, an appointment will be made for the procedure.
UFE is performed as an outpatient procedure in a hospital and will require approximately a 23-hour stay. A sedative and a local anesthetic will be administered. The interventional radiologist will insert a small catheter into the femoral artery through a tiny nick in the skin around the hip. Imaging is used to guide the catheter to the location of the fibroid, where particles are injected through the catheter, thus blocking the vessels around the fibroid, depriving it of the oxygen it needs to grow. This causes the fibroids to shrink and symptoms to resolve.
After the procedure, you will be taken to a recovery room, where medications will be given for pain. It is common to experience some degree of abdominal pain or cramping (similar to menstrual cramps) shortly after the procedure. You will remain in the hospital overnight. Discharge instructions, as well as post-procedure appointment information, will be given at this time.
Most women are able to return to light activity within a few days and are usually back to work and normal activity on average, within 11 days.
Patient Preparation
During your initial consult, you should let your doctor know if you are allergic to any medications, shellfish, iodine, contrast agents, or gelatin to minimize the risk of a reaction as a result of the procedure. You will need to refrain from eating or drinking after midnight before the procedure. Further specific information on preparing for the procedure will be given to you at this time.