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Information for Patients
about Uterine Fibroid Embolization
• Uterine fibroids are benign (not cancerous) tumors
that grow on or within the muscle walls of the uterus.
• They consist of dense, fibrous tissue which is fed by
blood vessels.
• Their size can vary from as small as a pea
to as large as a melon.
• A woman may have one or many fibroids.
• Doctors believe that 20-40% of women age 35
and older have fibroids.
Intramural Fibroid
Intramural fibroids are found in the wall of the womb
and are the most common type of fibroids.
Subserosal Fibroid
Subserosal fibroids are found growing
outside the wall of the womb and can become
very large without treatment.
Submucosal Fibroid
Submucosal fibroids are found in the muscle
beneath the inner lining of the womb wall.
Pedunculated
Submucosal
Fibroid
Subserosal and Submucosal fibroids
are also able to grow on stalks.
They are called pedunculated fibroids.
Pedunculated
Subserosal
Fibroid
Many fibroids do not cause any symptoms;
but some can cause problems such as:
• Heavy bleeding
• Painful periods
• Bleeding between periods
• Feeling of fullness in the pelvic area
• Frequent urination
• Pain during sex
• Lower back pain
• Your doctor may find that you have
fibroids when you see her/him for a
regular pelvic exam.
• Your doctor may do routine imaging
tests such as ultrasound in order to
confirm that you have fibroids.
Medicine
– Pain medication can sometimes stop a woman’s symptoms of fibroids.
– Gonadotropin releasing hormone agonists (GnRHa) are another type
of drug used to treat fibroids.
– The GnRHa drugs can decrease the size of fibroids, but may
only offer only temporary relief from the symptoms.
Once a woman stops the therapy, the fibroids can grow back.
Surgery
– Hysterectomy:
• The surgical removal of the uterus.
• Performed through an abdominal incision under general
anesthesia.
– There may be a hospital stay lasting several days.
– Patients can expect a 6-8 week recovery period.
– Laparoscopic Hysterectomy
• Removal of the uterus through a smaller incision at the top of
the vagina.
• It may require a shorter hospital stay and recovery time.
As a results of these surgeries, women will no longer
have periods and will not be able to have children.
Myomectomy:
– The surgical removal of fibroids.
• Two Methods:
– Major surgery, with an abdominal incision.
– Minor surgery, with a laparoscope.
– There may be a hospital stay of several days.
– The recovery period may last up to several weeks.
– The procedure may cause scar tissue and may affect fertility.
An Alternative that Preserves the Uterus
Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE)
preserves the uterus and reduces
surgical risk by using small beads
injected into the blood vessels to cut
off the blood supply to the fibroids
so that they shrink.
Uterine Fibroid Embolization has been performed
for more than 15 years and has been used to treat
more than 40,000 women around the world.
The procedure is not recommended for patients
who want to become pregnant. However, in a few
cases, women have become pregnant after UFE.
UFE is performed by a specially trained
physician called an Interventional Radiologist
who uses radiographic imaging to manage
fibroids and other conditions.
Patients receive mild sedation and a
local anesthesia so they experience
little to no discomfort and are able to
be awake during the procedure.
During the procedure,
the physician inserts a
very small tube called a
catheter through a tiny
hole in the patient’s groin.
Very small beads that
block the blood
supply to the fibroids
are delivered through
the catheter.
Without sufficient blood
flow, the tumor shrinks
and symptoms disappear.
• The procedure generally takes about 1 hour.
• Afterwards, patients may stay at the hospital 1 or 2 days.
• Patients may experience some pain after the procedure.
– The pain is controlled with pain medications through a pump
that allows the patient to take the drugs as needed.
• Other side-effects may include a low fever, nausea, and fatigue.
• Most women can expect to return to regular activities within 1 or
2 weeks after the procedure.
• After recovery, the patient will visit her regular
gynecologist and interventional radiologist. They
will conduct exams to ensure that the fibroids are
going away.
• All patients should notify their physician about any
abnormality they experience after the procedure.
• Preservation of the uterus
without associated surgery
risks
• Efficient for multiple and
large fibroids
• Safe and effective
• Short hospital stay and
recovery
• Early return to normal
activities
• May allow patient to retain
fertility
CAUTION
Consult your physician about your medical choices.
Your physician is in the best position to offer you
medical advice based upon your unique situation.
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[email protected]
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