Uterine Fibroid Embolization

Alternatives to Hysterectomy Procedures

More and more women have begun looking for uterine fibroid treatment options that don't require the invasive surgery of a hysterectomy. Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) is a minimally invasive procedure for treating uterine fibroids without the removal of organs. With uterine fibroid embolization, the blood flow leading to the fibroid is blocked, preventing it from growing larger. Please continue reading to learn more about UFE, or find out whether uterine fibroid embolization is right for you now.

The Uterine Fibroid Embolization Procedure

A doctor, known as an interventional radiologist, performs the uterine fibroid embolization procedure. This specialist uses custom X-ray equipment to guide a catheter to the location of the uterine fibroids. A catheter is inserted through a small incision in the femoral artery, then guided through the uterine artery and situated in the blood flow that leads to the fibroid. Then small spheres called Embosphere® Microspheres are placed in the vessels that lead to the fibroid cutting off its blood supply. Without blood, and the oxygen it provides, the fibroid's growth is halted and it begins to shrink. Uterine fibroid embolization procedures are normally finished within an hour. Outpatient care lasts between 10 and 23 hours. Women who have undergone the procedure using Emboshpere Microspheres return to their daily activities within an average of 11 days. Those who use similar "embolic agents" usually return within 13 - 16 days. Because of this quicker recovery time, UFE is an appealing alternative to hysterectomy procedures for many women.

Benefits of Uterine Fibroid Embolization

The most obvious benefits of uterine fibroid embolization are the preservation of the uterus and the lack of highly invasive surgery that may require the use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Patients also can expect to see a decrease in the symptoms of uterine fibroids such as: heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain and/or pressure and urinary incontinence/frequency. Take a moment to learn about all of the possible benefits of uterine fibroid embolization including what happens before and after the treatment. Also, learn more about the other hysterectomy alternatives that could be available to you.