Interventional & Surgical Suites of Wilkes-Barre
Uterine Fibroid Embolization
What Is Uterine Fibroid Embolization?
Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE), also known as UFE, offers a non-surgical approach to treating uterine fibroids. This minimally invasive procedure, guided by imaging, is performed by specialists such as interventional radiologists. For women experiencing symptoms like heavy menstrual bleeding, frequent urination, painful sexual intercourse, or pelvic pain, UFE can significantly reduce or eliminate these issues associated with fibroids. The physicians at Interventional & Surgical Suites of Wilkes-Barre have extensive experience in performing UFE, helping women improve their daily comfort and reduce pain.
UFE represents an innovative option for women dealing with fibroids who prefer to avoid major surgery and its extended recovery period. Importantly, it preserves the uterus, providing women with the potential for future pregnancy. After undergoing UFE, fibroids typically shrink and troublesome symptoms often diminish. With a success rate of approximately 85%, UFE offers a faster recovery compared to hysterectomies, requiring no hospital stay and involving fewer complications.
Advantages of Uterine Fibroid Embolization
Uterine Fibroid Embolization offers many benefits to patients exploring alternatives to major surgeries like hysterectomy and myomectomy. It is a safe and effective treatment for all types of fibroids, regardless of their size, number, or location. Some of the primary advantages of UFE include:
What Is Adenomyosis?
- Preservation of the uterus
- Less invasive compared to surgery
- Minimal to no scarring
- Reduced risk of complications
- Shorter recovery time
- Substantial alleviation of fibroid symptoms
Potential Candidates for Uterine Fibroid Embolization
It’s important to discuss all treatment options with a fibroid specialist before choosing uterine fibroid embolization (UFE). This procedure is generally safe and can treat both small and large fibroids. You may be a candidate for UFE if:
- You are dealing with painful or incapacitating fibroid symptoms
- You prefer to avoid invasive surgery
- Preservation of your uterus is important to you
- Minimizing time away from work and family is a priority
- Future pregnancy is a consideration
- You are in the perimenopausal stage
Preparing for Uterine Fibroid Embolization: A Guide
Usually, no special preparation is needed for uterine fibroid embolization. Your physician will explain the procedure in detail, covering possible risks, benefits, and alternative treatments. If you decide to proceed with UFE, consider taking these steps for the best outcomes:
- Inform your doctor about any known allergies, including anaesthesia
- Compile a list of all current medications and supplements
- Report any recent illnesses or other medical conditions
- Abstain from eating or drinking anything 6 to 8 hours before the procedure
- Arrange for someone to drive you home
How is UFE done?
Uterine fibroid embolization is performed as an outpatient procedure at our state-of-the-art facility in Interventional & Surgical Suites of Wilkes-Barre. Our skilled fibroid specialists are proficient in conducting minimally invasive UFE procedures. Before the procedure, you will receive local anesthesia and conscious IV sedation for your comfort and relaxation. A small incision will be made in either your wrist or groin. Using direct image guidance through ultrasound and fluoroscopy, our physicians at the Interventional & Surgical Suites of Wilkes-Barre will insert a thin catheter into the artery in your wrist or groin, directing it to the uterine artery.
Once the blood supply to the fibroids is located, the physician will inject small particles (about the size of a grain of sand) into the small blood vessels feeding the fibroids. These particles block blood flow, causing the fibroids to lose oxygen and nutrients. After the procedure is finished, you will be monitored for a short time in our onsite recovery room. Detailed post-procedure instructions will be given, and follow-up exams will be scheduled to track your progress.
UFE Recovery
After your UFE procedure, you will be discharged the same day to begin your recovery. Expect to experience mild to moderate pain and cramping in your lower abdomen and pelvis during the first 24 to 72 hours, similar to menstrual cramps. This discomfort will be managed with prescribed pain medications and should quickly improve over the next few days. Most patients can return to their normal activities within 7-10 days. During this time, avoid heavy lifting, strenuous activities, and sexual intercourse, and follow any other instructions from your doctor.
What To Expect After UFE
After undergoing the UFE procedure, expect a gradual improvement in your well-being day by day. Typically, fibroid symptoms begin to decrease within the first three months after the procedure. It’s important to note that your menstrual cycles may be heavier than usual during this time. Additionally, some women may pass fibroid tissue within this three-month period.
Most women recover smoothly from UFE and can return to their normal activities within a week to 10 days. Around 85-90% of women who undergo UFE experience relief from their symptoms and see measurable shrinkage of their fibroids. Following the procedure, you will have a follow-up appointment with your doctor, which may include additional ultrasound or MRI scans to monitor your healing progress.
Hours of Operation:
MONDAY-FRIDAY 6AM - 6PM
FROM NORTH:
Follow I-81 N to PA-115 S in Plains Township. Take exit 170A from I-81 N Take E Mountain Blvd to PA-315 N
FROM NORTH:
Take I-81 S to PA-315 S in Pittston Township. Take exit 175A from I-81 S Merge onto PA-315 S