Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE)
A non-surgical alternative for uterine fibroids
If you have symptoms of uterine fibroids - which can include heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, frequent urination and pressure or bloating - the most common treatment is surgery to remove the uterus (hysterectomy). If you want to avoid surgery, the good news is there is a safe, non-surgical option that may be right for you.
Mercy San Juan Medical Center offers a procedure called Uterine Fibroid Embolization, or UFE, to treat symptomatic uterine fibroids. Fibroids are non-cancerous tumors of the uterus. UFE is a minimally invasive procedure that preserves the uterus and greatly reduces recovery times. UFE blocks the blood supply to fibroids, causing them to shrink. It is clinically proven to be safe and effective, with minimal risk.
Because UFE is a non-surgical procedure, it requires just one night in the hospital and five to 10 days for full recovery. In comparison, a hysterectomy is major surgery that requires general anesthesia, several days in the hospital and up to six weeks for recovery.
An interventional radiologist performs UFE, using X-ray imaging to see inside the body and treat the condition without surgery. The procedure requires only a small nick in the skin and lasts less than an hour.
Deciding on UFE
If you need treatment for fibroid symptoms but want to avoid surgery, UFE may be right for you. Patients who are ideal for UFE include women who:
- Have symptomatic fibroids
- Want to keep their uterus
- Do not want surgery
- Want an overnight or outpatient hospital stay
- May not be good candidates for surgery
An interventional radiologist can help determine if UFE is right for you based on your medical history and the size and location of your fibroids. If you are not a good candidate for UFE, you will be referred to your OB/GYN to consider surgery.
For more information about UFE, call (916) 961.6920.
