“I won't go anywhere else.”
Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE)
Fibroids are benign tumors that grow in the uterus of pre-menopausal women, a very common occurrence. While some women who have them do not suffer symptoms, others do: some symptoms are usually bleeding, heavy periods, pelvic pain or cramping. In this painless procedure, x-ray assists the placement of a catheter through the groin and guidance through the uterine artery, an embolic agent is injected into the arteries that supply blood to the uterus and fibroids. The fibroids die and begin to shrink and the uterus often fully recovers.
Am I a candidate for UFE Treatment?
Normally, our radiologist will require that patients meet the following criteria:
- Have completed childbearing
- Have not gone through menopause
- Have symptoms due to uterine fibroids
- Have taken an MRI to confirm the presence of fibroids and exclude other diseases that can mimic fibroids
- Have a strong desire to avoid a hysterectomy
If you think you may be a candidate for this procedure, speak to your physician or contact our interventional department at DRA Imaging for a consult with one of our Interventional Radiologists
How is a UFE Treatment Performed?
On the day of the procedure the patient will be given a sedative and a local anesthetic to numb the groin. The Interventional Radiologist will insert a small needle into the femoral artery, which will allow a catheter to go into the uterine artery. Contrast material will be injected into the artery, so that the blood supply to the fibroids can be seen. Synthetic particles, like tiny beads, are injected into the artery and flow into the fibroids. Embolization takes place when there is blockage of blood flow to the fibroids. The actual UFE procedure takes about one to two hours.
What to expect after UFE Treatment:
There is a one day stay at Vassar Brothers Medical Center. Patients may have cramping pain within the first few hours after the procedure. IV medications will be given for pain, discomfort, or nausea. Recovery time is usually about 3-5 days
For additional information on Fibroid Embolization please visit these sites:
Pregnancy Policy:
All patients of childbearing age (10 - 54) will be required to sign that there is No Chance of Pregnancy prior to an imaging exam being performed (Exception: - Ultrasound). If there is a chance of pregnancy, STAT blood work will be ordered prior to the procedure being performed to establish that there is no chance of pregnancy.
In the event, you are pregnant and the exam is deemed necessary by your physician, you will be shielded and monitored with a radiation badge.