This procedure involves a radiologist making a small incision and inserting a catheter towards the site of the fibroids. Small spheres (embolic material) are injected through the catheter, reducing the blood supply to the fibroids which causes them to shrink and die in size and number. According to the Uterine Fibroid Collective, the procedure has a 94 percent success rate, meaning that 94 percent of all patients who had the procedure experienced relief from their symptoms and significant fibroid shrinkage within six months.
The procedure only takes 1-3 hours and with a quick recovery time, patients are able to go back to work within a few days and return to a normal life.
For the first 24 hours after the procedure is performed, patients may experience period-like cramps which can be treated with medicine such as ibuprofen or aspirin. Patients may also experience vaginal bleeding for a couple of months after the procedure is done which is due to the fibroids that are breaking down.
Though the reported rate of risk is rare, there are risks involved with UFE that include infection, possibility of needing a hysterectomy performed and long-term pain. It is very important to know that each case of fibroids is different and talking with your doctor is the first step. Your doctor will advise you on whether or not the UFE procedure right for you.
Among women diagnosed with uterine fibroids who have heard about embolization, 46 percent didn’t first learn about it from their obstetrician-gynecologist.
“Physicians need to ensure that women are presented every option for treatment so that patients can make the decision that is right for them,” said Dr. Suresh Vedantham, president of the Society of Interventional Radiology and a professor of radiology and surgery at Washington University in St. Louis.