Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE)

Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat painful fibroid tumors that develop in the uterus. UFE is a safe, effective alternative to surgery.

What are fibroids?

Fibroids are generally benign muscular tumors that develop in the uterus. By age 50, about 80% of women will have instances of fibroids, however many of them won’t even know it. In some cases, however, fibroids can cause extreme pain and other symptoms. While uterine fibroids are not life-threatening, for these women the symptoms can take a huge toll on their life.

Symptoms of fibroids include:
● Heavy menstrual bleeding (sometimes leading to anemia)
● Pain (mild to severe)
● Frequent need to urinate
● Lower back pain
● Feeling of fullness in the lower abdomen
● Painful intercourse

UFE, an alternative to surgery for fibroids

Our endovascular specialists can perform a minimally invasive procedure called Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) that shrinks or destroys fibroid tumors without the need for general anesthesia, cutting or stitches. It also leaves the uterus intact.

What to expect

UFE is done under light sedation (“twilight sleep”) and using local anesthesia. When you are relaxed and comfortable, a CiC physician will make a tiny nick in your skin, then insert a catheter and guide it using X-ray fluoroscopy to the arteries feeding each of the fibroid tumors. Small particles are injected into these vessels, blocking off the fibroids’ blood supply and causing them to shrink and die.

Why choose UFE?

Uterine fibroids are often treated with hormone medications that can have undesirable side effects or major surgery that either physically removes the uterus or the fibroids themselves. UFE is a safer, less invasive option than hysterectomy or other types of fibroid surgery and does not create any hormone-based side effects.

You will be given medication to manage any pain at home following the procedure. Most patients are able to fully resume normal activities in a week to 10 days. By three months, 85%-90% of women report a complete or significant reduction of symptoms.