Uterine Fibroid Embolization

A Minimally Invasive Treatment for Uterine Fibroids

 

What is Uterine Fibroid Embolization?

An effective minimally invasive treatment for uterine fibroids is uterine fibroid embolization (UFE), also known as uterine artery embolization (UAE). This minimally invasive procedure uses image guidance to deliver small particles to the blood vessels that supply fibroids, cutting off their blood supply, and causing them to shrink.

What are Uterine Fibroids?

Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths that occur in the uterus. They are common, affecting 20% to 80% of women at some point in their lives. Despite being benign, fibroids can cause a range of symptoms that can affect a woman's quality of life.

There are four types of uterine fibroids:

  1. Subserosal Fibroids: These develop in the outer portion of the uterus
    on the serous membrane. These fibroids may grow big enough where
    they can push out of the uterus and cause pressure to nearby organs,
    such as the bladder or rectum which can result in frequent urination,
    a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying, and/or constipation.

  2. Intramural Fibroids: These are the most common type of fibroids and
    develop in the muscular wall of the uterus. Because of its location, they
    can be larger which can also cause the uterus to stretch.

  3. Submucosal Fibroids: These fibroids are the least common and grow within the uterine cavity and can cause heavy bleeding during menstruation.

  4. Pedunculated fibroids: These fibroids are attached to the uterine wall by a stalk and can twist or become painful. They also can grow either outside the uterus or inside the uterine cavity.

Causes and Risk Factors

While the exact cause of uterine fibroids is unknown, there are several factors that may contribute to their development:

  • Age: Women in their 30s and 40s are at more risk to developing uterine fibroids, especially during menopause. After menopause, the fibroids usually begin to shrink.

  • Genetics: Having a family member with uterine fibroids increases a woman’s risk of having them by three times compared to having no family history with fibroids.

  • Ethnic origin: African-American women and women of color are more likely to have fibroids than white women. They also develop earlier and grow faster in people of color.

  • Obesity: Women who struggle with being overweight are at higher risk for developing uterine fibroids. In severe cases of obesity, the risk of having them is two to three times greater than the average.

  • Eating habits: Eating a lot of red meat, ham, or soy based milk is linked with a higher risk of developing uterine fibroids.

Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids affect every woman differently. For some women, they can experience little to no symptoms. However for others, they may experience symptoms including:

  • Heavy or frequently occurring menstrual bleeding

  • Constipation

  • Pelvic pain

  • Pressure on bladder which can cause frequent urination and/or a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying

  • Pressure on the rectum which can cause constipation

  • Back pain

  • Painful sexual intercourse

Am I a Candidate for Uterine Fibroid Embolization?

Candidates who qualify for UFE are women who are experiencing at least one of the following symptoms:

  • Heavy menstrual bleeding

  • Painful menstrual cycle

  • Frequent urination

  • Pelvic pain

  • Back pain

  • Constipation

  • Painful sexual intercourse

  • Infertility secondary to uterine fibroids

  • Abdominal bloating

Some other reasons women may choose UFE over other forms of treatment include:

  • Desire for faster recovery

  • Prefer an outpatient procedure to major surgery

  • Wish to preserve their uterus

  • Unable to undergo other treatment options due to pre-existing conditions

  • Uterine adenomyosis

What to Expect from the UFE Procedure

UFE does not require patients to go under general anesthesia during the procedure. Instead it is completed under local anesthesia with sedation. During the procedure, a tiny puncture incision in the skin is made either in the groin (femoral artery) or the wrist (radial artery). By using imaging guidance, a small catheter is inserted through the artery which is navigated to the uterine arteries where small microscopic particles called “embolics” are released that travel to and shut down the blood supply to the fibroids. This elimination of blood flow to the fibroids causes them to shrink significantly and cures the symptoms they cause.

Recovery Process

After the UFE procedure, most patients are able to stand up and walk within a few hours if it was done through groin. If the procedure was done through the wrist, patients should be able to walk immediately afterwards. Many patients may experience mild to intense cramping for up to a few days following the procedure, which can be treated with pain medication. Other side effects post procedure may include nausea or minor bleeding/splotting due to the fibroids breaking down, but these should only be temporary. If symptoms continue after a few weeks, please consult with your doctor. The majority of women recover from the UFE procedure with no issues and are able to return to their regular activities within a week or less time.

 Benefits of Uterine Fibroid Embolization

  • Minimally invasive: UFE is performed through a tiny puncture incision in the groin or wrist, and no surgical incisions are made in the abdomen or uterus.

  • Faster recovery: Most women can return to their normal activities within a few days, while it may take several weeks or months after traditional surgery.

  • Preserves the uterus: UFE preserves the uterus, unlike a hysterectomy, which involves the removal of the entire uterus. This is an important consideration for women who wish to maintain their fertility or simply prefer to keep their uterus.

  • Effective: UFE has been shown to be an effective treatment for fibroids, with long-term success rates of more than 90%.

  • Lower cost: UFE is less expensive than surgery to perform. These cost savings are translated directly to patients.

Risk and Complications

As with any medical procedure, UFE comes with some risks and complications. Although rare, some potential risks associated with UFE include:

  • Infection: Infection is a possible complication, but it's relatively uncommon. Antibiotics may be prescribed before and after the procedure to minimize the risk of infection.

  • Damage to uterus or other organs: In rare cases, the embolic agents used in UFE can inadvertently block blood vessels supplying the uterus or other organs, causing damage. Skilled interventional radiologists can minimize this risk by carefully selecting and targeting the blood vessels feeding the fibroids.

  • Incomplete Treatment: In some cases, not all fibroids may be treated during UFE, or new fibroids may develop after the procedure. This could require additional treatments to address any remaining or new fibroids.

Uterine Fibroid Embolization at Indiana Vascular?

Uterine Fibroid Embolization is a minimally invasive treatment option for women suffering from uterine fibroids. With its shorter recovery time, preservation of the uterus, and reduced risk of complications, it's an attractive alternative to more invasive surgical treatments.

At Indiana Vascular, we offer a facility filled with state-of-the-art equipment and a staff of experienced doctors that specialize in performing UFE. We will work with you in creating a treatment plan tailored to your individualized needs, and will walk with you every step of the way to ensure a favorable outcome and swift recovery.

Do not allow uterine fibroids to negatively impact your quality of life. Schedule an appointment with us today to receive a consultation and gain insight into the condition, as well as discover how we can enhance your overall health.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Fibroids typically begin to shrink within weeks to months after UFE, with most women noticing a significant reduction in symptoms within three to six months.

  • Some pain or discomfort may be experienced after UFE, but it can usually be managed with pain medication prescribed by your healthcare provider.

  • Although UFE is effective in treating existing fibroids, it doesn't prevent the development of new fibroids. However, the recurrence rate is relatively low.

  • UFE has been shown to preserve fertility in most cases, but it's important to discuss your individual situation with your healthcare provider. Some women have successfully become pregnant and given birth after undergoing UFE.