Uterine Fibroids
INTERVENTIONAL RADIOLOGY
Minimally Invasive Alternatives to Surgery
Copyright © 2008, Joel Garris MD, FACR. All rights reserved.
Uterine Fibroid Embolization
A minimally invasive alternative to hysterectomy
Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE), also known as uterine artery embolization (UAE), is performed by an interventional radiologist, a physician who is trained to perform this and other types of embolization and minimally invasive procedures.
It is performed while the patient is conscious, but sedated and feeling no pain. It does not require general anesthesia.
The interventional radiologist injects a local anesthetic & makes a tiny nick in the skin in the groin and inserts a catheter into the femoral artery.
Using real-time imaging, the physician guides the catheter through the artery and then releases tiny particles, the size of grains of sand, into the uterine arteries that supply blood to the fibroid tumor. This blocks the blood flow to the fibroid tumors and causes them to shrink and die.
UFE Recovery Time
Fibroid embolization is performed on an outpatient basis and usually requires a hospital stay overnight for observation. Pain medications and drugs that control swelling typically are prescribed following the procedure to treat any cramping and pain. Many women resume light activities in a few days and the majority of women are able to return to normal activities within 7 to 9 days.
Risks
UFE is a very safe method and, like other minimally invasive procedures, has significant advantages over conventional open surgery. However, there are some associated risks, as there are with any medical procedure. A small number of patients have experienced infection, which usually can be controlled by antibiotics. There also is a less than one percent chance of injury to the uterus, potentially leading to a hysterectomy. These complication rates are lower than those of hysterectomy and myomectomy.
Less than two percent of patients have entered menopause as a result of UFE. This is more likely to occur if the woman is already nearing menopause.
Insurance coverage
UFE is covered by nearly all health plans based on medical necessity. If you are having symptoms as discussed here, you are likely a to be approved by your insurance carrier.
