Uterine Fibroid Embolization vs Hysterectomy
UFE vs. Hysterectomy: Which Option is Best for You?
Women who receive a diagnosis of symptomatic uterine fibroids are often informed that a hysterectomy is the sole permanent solution. Statistics from the National Institute of Health indicate that over 200,000 hysterectomies are performed annually for fibroid treatment. Hysterectomy involves the surgical removal of all or part of the uterus, and in certain instances, the ovaries. This approach is suboptimal for various reasons, including the unnecessary removal of the uterus, heightened risks of heart attack, stroke, and the potential for earlier menopause.
Thankfully, recent progress in medical technologies, enhanced imaging capabilities, and treatments like uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) are significantly impacting the well-being of women grappling with fibroids. The physicians at Fibroid Clinic’s partnered locations possess extensive experience in performing the UFE procedure, a minimally invasive treatment approach that safeguards the uterus. This method entails fewer complications, faster recovery periods, and does not require a hospital stay. Explore the distinctions between UFE and hysterectomy to assist in deciding the most suitable treatment option for your situation.
A key distinction between these two methods is that UFE preserves the uterus, allowing the possibility of future pregnancies. Unlike surgery, UFE does not necessitate an overnight hospital stay and is carried out using mild sedation instead of general anaesthesia. Additional advantages of UFE encompass:
- Uterus preservation
- Less invasive compared to surgery
- Mild or moderate sedation
- No hospitalization required
- Reduced risk of complications
- Complete recovery within 1-2 weeks
- No impact on hormones
Hysterectomy
Hysterectomy is different from UFE in various aspects. It is a more invasive surgical intervention that entails removing the uterus and potentially the fallopian tubes and ovaries. Following a hysterectomy, menstruation ceases, and pregnancy becomes impossible. Further distinctions encompass:
- Does not conserve the uterus
- Invasive surgical procedure
- Necessitates general anaesthesia
- Demands hospitalization
- Heightened risk of complications
- Complete recovery in 6-8 weeks
- Adversely affects hormones
Do You Experience Symptoms of Fibroids?
UFE vs. Hysterectomy Procedure
Hysterectomy is a significant surgical procedure aimed at removing the uterus to alleviate the discomfort caused by large fibroids. Nevertheless, opting for a hysterectomy may result in permanent health changes, such as infertility and premature menopause. There are three common approaches to performing a hysterectomy: vaginal, abdominal, and laparoscopic. The duration of the procedure hinges on the size of your uterus and whether the removal of the ovaries and fallopian tubes is also involved. Typically, a hysterectomy lasts about 1-3 hours, with an average hospital stay of 2.3 days.
Uterine fibroid embolization is a minimally invasive, image-guided procedure for treating fibroids. It is completed on the same day and typically lasts less than an hour. In UFE, an interventional radiologist creates a small incision in the groin, accessing the femoral artery. A thin catheter is then inserted, and minuscule particles are injected into the small blood vessels supplying the fibroids. These particles obstruct blood flow, leading to the shrinkage of the fibroids.
UFE vs. Hysterectomy Recovery Time
Recovering from a hysterectomy is a gradual process. Typically, patients spend one to two days in the hospital after the surgery, with the duration varying based on the specific type of hysterectomy performed. The recovery period extends to four to six weeks for abdominal surgery and three to four weeks for vaginal and laparoscopic surgery. In general, most women experience a full recovery from a hysterectomy within 6-8 weeks. Common postoperative effects include vaginal bleeding and discharge for six weeks, alterations in bowel movements and bladder function, and the onset of menopause. The hormonal changes resulting from the removal of the uterus may also lead to emotional side effects, such as depression.
Nonetheless, the recuperation period for UFE is notably swifter than that of a hysterectomy. Many women can resume their regular daily routines within one to two weeks following the procedure, and they can return home on the same day after the treatment to initiate the recovery phase. While some women may encounter cramping comparable to or more intense than menstrual cramps, such discomfort typically diminishes within the initial days. Furthermore, the risk of complications, such as infections, after the UFE procedure is minimal to non-existent. Post-UFE recovery brings relief from symptoms like pain, heavy bleeding, and bloating.
Which Fibroid Treatment Is Right For You?
Fibroid Clinic advocates for empowering women with comprehensive information about fibroid treatments. When faced with the choice between UFE and hysterectomy, it is crucial to weigh several key factors. Given that fibroids are typically benign and frequently lack symptoms, opting for invasive fibroid surgery is seldom warranted. Women who desire future pregnancies or wish to preserve their uterus are advised against undergoing a hysterectomy.