Uterine Fibroids
INTERVENTIONAL RADIOLOGY
               Minimally Invasive Alternatives to Surgery
Copyright © 2008, Joel Garris MD, FACR. All rights reserved.
               

  • Embolization of fibroids was first used by gynecologists as an adjunct to help decrease blood loss during myomectomy. To the surprise of the initial users of this method, many patients had spontaneous resolution of their symptoms after only the embolization and no longer needed the surgery.


  • UFE is covered by most major insurance companies and is widely available across the country.

  • Most women with symptomatic fibroids are candidates for UFE and should obtain a consult with an interventional radiologist to determine whether UFE is a treatment option for them. An ultrasound and especially an MRI scan will help the interventional radiologist to determine if the woman is a candidate for UFE.

  • Many women wonder about the safety of leaving particles in the body. The embolic particles most commonly used in UFE have been available with FDA approval for use in people for more than 20 years. During that time, they have been used in thousands of patients without long-term complications.  The only FDA approved particles are made by Biosphere Medical.

  • The August 2008 Practice Recommendations From American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Say Uterine Fibroid Embolization Is "Safe and Effective," Based on Good, Consistent Level A Scientific Evidence."

  • Therefore, UFE is not experimental regardless of what any doctor tells you.

  • Never hesitate to get a second opinion from an board certified interventional radiologist like Dr. Garris, if you are facing a hysterectomy or other surgery for fibroids and would like to explore this non-surgical option.

  • With UFE you haven't lost any treatment options.  You can still have a surgery like a hysterectomy or myomectomy in the future and that remain your choice.

  • You maintain your fertility and keep your uterus.

  • All fibroids are treated at the same time with UFE.

  • Over 150,000 UFE's have been done since 1995.


Uterine Fibroid Embolization
UFE facts you should know: