Uterine artery embolization or Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) is a procedure where an interventional radiologist uses a catheter to deliver small particles that block the blood supply to the fibroids. This is a minimally-invasive, non-surgical therapy that treats all fibroids. This fibroid treatment usually takes less than one hour. Patients undergoing UFE return to work and daily activities on average within 11 days.

Potential benefits of Uterine Fibroid Embolization include:

• Preservation of the uterus
• Decrease in menstrual bleeding from symptomatic fibroids
• Decrease in urinary dysfunction
• Decrease in pelvic pain and/or pressure
• No surgical removal of the uterus and possible need of hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
• Virtually no blood loss
• Covered by most insurance companies
• Out-patient procedure (generally 10 to 23 hours)
• More confidence with less chance of soiling events
• Overall significant improvement in patient's physical and emotional well-being

Overall, UFE is a safe procedure for treating symptomatic fibroids with minimal risk. Overall, 96% of patients indicated they were happy with their twelve month outcome, and would recommend Uterine Fibroid Embolization to a friend. As with all medical procedures, there are risk factors and complications associated with UFE, the most reported being: transient amenorrhea, common short term allergic reaction/rash, vaginal discharge/infection, and possible fibroid passage.

See also

• Uterine fibroids
• Embolization

Radiology | Anatomical pathology | Gynecology