Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) is a procedure that cuts off (embolizes) blood supply to fibroids. All living tissues in the body need an ample blood supply to live. Permanently cutting off the blood supply ensures tissue will die and be partially reabsorbed by the body. Consequently, fibroids treated with UFE die and shrink, resolving your symptoms.
Who’s a candidate?
While UFE is an effective procedure, it isn’t the best option for everyone.
Good candidates are:
Who’s not a candidate?
There are certain circumstances when UFE should not be performed.
These include:
There are several advantages to choosing UFE:
Side Effects & Complications
Overall, UFE is safe and well tolerated. Side effects and complications are possible, but they occur less often than with myomectomy or hysterectomy. The following side effects are common:
Serious complications are rare. For an estimated 100,000 UFE procedures worldwide, there have only been four deaths—an incidence rate of 1:25,000. The risk of death following elective hysterectomy is 1:1,000 to 1:1,500. Two of the four UFE deaths were from post-procedure infection, one was caused by a pulmonary embolism (a blood clot that moved to the lungs), and one was due to the patient’s advanced age (she wouldn’t have been treated with UFE in the United States).
Post-UFE hysterectomies are rare, occurring in less than 1% of cases due to uterine infection or inadequate blood supply to normal uterine tissue. Embolization of unintended blood vessels is possible but unusual. Careful fluoroscopy monitoring by an experienced interventional radiologist makes this unlikely to occur.
The average UFE radiation dose is comparable to multiple barium enemas or pelvic CT scans. The dose falls below the level that could negatively affect you or your unborn children. Reports of radiation-induced skin injury have been with procedures lasting three-to-four hours. In seven years, we’ve had no radiation injuries at our center.
Normal periods resume within a few months post-UFE for most women. A small number of women under age 45 – 1-2% — will not have a period again (amenorrhea) after UFE. For perimenopausal women over age 45, that incidence rises to 15-20%. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can be considered when amenorrhea comes with menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, irritability, and vaginal dryness.
A 49-year-old black woman with a three-year history of severe menstrual cramping and refractory anemia. She has excessive, irregular uterine bleeding, bleeding at one point for 30 consecutive days. She also reported pain during sex, urinary frequency, and lethargy. Upon examination, her uterus was 20-weeks gestational size, firm, and tumor filled. She elected UFE over hysterectomy.
Results: At 6 months post-procedure, her periods had returned to normal, her other symptoms were resolved, and her energy had dramatically improved. Her uterine volume decreased by 55% with no recurrence of symptoms after three years.
A 51-year-old white female with a history of severe menstrual cramping; excessive, irregular uterine bleeding; and anemia. She received three Lupron injections in preparation for a planned vaginal hysterectomy. Two months after her last Lupron injection, she opted for UFE instead.
Results: Her periods returned to normal and have remained unchanged one year post-procedure.
A 39-year-old black female who is a Jehovah’s Witness reported several years of severe excessive, irregular uterine bleeding, pelvic heaviness, lethargy, and pain during sex. A hysteroscopy revealed a submucous leiomyoma, and MRI visualized a 3-cm fibroid, as well as several smaller ones. After her child-bearing years, she was offered a hysterectomy. Due to concerns of surgical blood loss and possible transfusion risk, she chose UFE.
Results: At 6 months post-procedure, her periods had normalized, and all symptoms had resolved. MRI revealed a 70% decrease in the largest fibroid and a 50% reduction in total uterine volume. After four years, she’s had no recurrence.
A 45-year-old white female with a three-year history of severe menstrual cramping, menstrual bleeding that lasts for more than seven days, and anemia. Her other symptoms included pelvic pressure and pain, back and leg pain, bloating, lethargy, and urinary frequency. Upon examination, her uterus was 14-weeks gestational size, and MRI revealed a 6-cm dominant fibroid.
Results: After 6 months post-procedure, her uterus had diminished in size, and the dominant fibroid had decreased by 79%. All symptoms were significantly improved.
“Since relocating from the area, I just wanted to let you know that I have had no complications from the procedure, all of my symptoms have been relieved and my uterus has decreased dramatically (from 20 to 10 wks). I could not be more pleased with the result. Thanks so much for all of your help.”
– Jane D., RN, Nurse Executive
“Thanks for giving back my life and letting me keep my uterus!”
– Janine, age 46
“Thank you for your help in ‘fixing’ my fibroid problem. It’s amazing how much better I feel.”
– Karen, age 50
“On a scale of 1-to-10, I rate my UFE experience a 10 for the following reasons: less invasive and quick recovery time.
Dr. Cockerill and the team were wonderful (professional).
I would strongly encourage women to do their research and ask fact-finding questions before consenting to the standard fair used to treat benign uterine fibroids. Ladies, this revolutionary procedure deserves a look-see. Check out the overall success rate, too.”
– Susie, age 46
“Having the UFE procedure to treat my fibroids was one of the best things I’ve done for myself in the past few years. I was able to have UFE and retain my uterus and improve my well being. Possibly the greatest benefit has been an increase in my energy level. I really haven’t felt so good in several years.”
– Denise, age 45
Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital
1060 First Colonial Road
Virginia Beach, VA 23454
Sentara Princess Anne Hospital
2025 Glenn Mitchell Drive
Virginia Beach, VA 23454
Monday – Friday
8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
P 757.916.9631
F 757.916.9633
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