What are Uterine Fibroids?
When very common non-cancerous growths called uterine fibroids develop in the muscle wall of the uterus, they can occur with and without symptoms. The fibroids are usually diagnosed during an internal gynecologic exam and confirmed using either ultrasound or an MRI exam.
About one-third of the women who have fibroids develop significant symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding, bleeding between periods, painful intercourse, pelvic pain, and frequent urination. Our Interventional Radiologists at Minimally Invasive Procedure Specialists provide Uterine Fibroid Embolization for women experiencing symptoms of fibroids in Denver, CO. Learn about UFE and schedule your consultation with MIPS Center today.
What is Uterine Fibroid Embolization?
Uterine fibroid embolization is a minimally-invasive surgical procedure performed by an interventional radiologist to treat conditions involving the presence of uterine fibroid tumors by blocking their blood supply and shrinking them.
Minimally Invasive Procedure Specialists utilize uterine fibroid embolization, or UFE, as a non-surgical treatment for fibroids. Non-surgical procedures like UFE are much less invasive, in most instances do not require a hospital stay and allow for quicker recovery. Learn more about UFE and call our office in Denver, CO to schedule your consultation. You can also request an appointment online. A member of our staff will reach back out to you to confirm the details of your appointment shortly after the request has been received.
Is UFE right for me?
Penn Medicine mentioned unlike a complete or partial hysterectomy, does not remove any of a woman’s reproductive organs. An MRI exam helps in selecting patients who should receive nonsurgical uterine fibroid embolization. Interventional radiologists interpret the MRI images to determine if a fibroid tumor can be embolized, detect alternate causes for the symptoms, identify conditions that could prevent the procedure, and avoid ineffective treatments. Patients should discuss their options with their gynecologist and interventional radiologist.
Is Uterine Fibroid Embolization safe?
John Hopkins stated while uterine fibroid embolization is safe, like any surgical procedure, there are risks that you should discuss with your physician. It has been performed using FDA-approved embolic particles on thousands of patients for over 20 years without long-term complications. A small number of patients have experienced infection, which usually can be controlled with antibiotics. There is also a 1 percent chance of injury to the uterus, potentially leading to hysterectomy. Less than 2 percent of patients have entered menopause as a result of the procedure.
How should I prepare for my procedure?
The patient should not eat for at least six hours prior to having uterine fibroid embolization. For the exam, an intravenous catheter is used to administer the medication for conscious sedation. With the patient lying on her back on a special table that includes a fluoroscopic x-ray machine, the interventional radiologist makes a one-quarter of an inch incision in the groin to access the femoral artery. This is done with using local anesthesia. A catheter is then inserted into the artery and guided to the uterus. The procedure is monitored with the aid of the fluoroscopic x-ray machine to show the progress of the catheter. When the catheter is properly positioned, the radiologist injects tiny grain-sized plastic particles into the artery cutting off the blood supply to the fibroids causing them to shrink.
What should I expect during my procedure?
Uterine fibroid embolization takes about an hour. After the procedure, the patient is required to remain in a hospital setting overnight. Most women experience moderate to severe pain and cramping for several hours after having the procedure. On occasion, some may also experience fever and nausea. The majority of women are able to return to normal activity 7 to 10 days after the procedure and many resume light activities in a few days. Between 85 to 90 percent of women experience significant or complete relief of heavy bleeding and relief from pain.