Uterine Fibroid Embolization
Heavy Periods, Pelvic Pain and Uterine Fibroids
It is normal for women to experience a heavy menstrual period or cramps from time to time. What is not normal is a heavy period that impacts how you live your daily life or pelvic pain that is constant or unbearable. One possible cause of these symptoms is common, non-cancerous growths on the uterine wall called uterine fibroids.
Women who experience pelvic pain or heavy menstrual bleeding may have a common, non-cancerous growth on the uterine wall called a uterine fibroid. Symptoms of uterine fibroids can be effectively treated with uterine fibroid embolization (UFE), a minimally-invasive alternative to hysterectomy.
Non-surgical Uterine Fibroid Embolization is a major advance in women’s health. Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE), also known as uterine artery embolization, is performed by an interventional radiologist who is trained to perform this and other types of embolization and minimally invasive procedures. It is performed while the patient is conscious, but sedated and feeling no pain. It does not require general anesthesia.
The interventional radiologist makes a tiny nick in the skin in the groin and inserts a catheter into the femoral artery. Using real-time imaging, the physician guides the catheter through the artery and then releases tiny particles, the size of grains of sand, into the uterine arteries that supply blood to the fibroid tumor. This blocks the blood flow to the fibroid tumor and causes it to shrink and die.
UFE RECOVERY TIME
UFE PROCEDURE
Fibroid embolization usually requires a hospital stay of one night. Pain-killing medications and drugs that control swelling typically are prescribed following the procedure to treat cramping and pain. Many women resume light activities in a few days and the majority of women are able to return to normal activities within seven to 10 days.