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Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) in Farmington Hills, MI

What to Expect and Recovery | Effectiveness and FAQ | Candidate Quiz

Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths that develop in or around the uterus. While some fibroids cause no symptoms, others can lead to heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain or pressure, frequent urination, abdominal enlargement and other symptoms. Treatment depends on the size and location of the fibroids, your symptoms and your health goals.

PrecisionIR offers uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) in Farmington Hills, Michigan, for women seeking a minimally invasive treatment for symptomatic uterine fibroids. Conveniently located in Metro Detroit, our interventional radiologists use image-guided techniques to treat fibroids without major surgery or removal of the uterus.

Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE)

What Is Uterine Fibroid Embolization?

Uterine fibroid embolization, known as UFE, is a minimally invasive treatment that reduces fibroid symptoms by blocking the blood supply to the fibroids, causing them to shrink over time.

During the procedure, an interventional radiologist uses X-ray imaging to guide a small catheter through an artery to the uterine arteries. Tiny particles are then delivered through the catheter to block blood flow to the fibroids while preserving the uterus.

UFE does not require major surgery or general anesthesia, and patients typically return home the same day. As the fibroids shrink, symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain and pressure may improve. Studies have shown high rates of symptom improvement following UFE, with many patients experiencing long-lasting relief.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recognizes uterine artery embolization as a treatment option for uterine fibroids.¹

Take our quiz to see if UFE may be right for you>>

You can listen to Dr. Vartanian discuss fibroids and UFE with the Mason and Starr Morning Show on our blog »

Learn more about UFE by watching Dr. Vartanian’s discussion on Live in the D »

What to Expect During Uterine Fibroid Embolization

  • No general anesthesia required
  • No pelvic scarring
  • Outpatient procedure
  • Return home shortly after

UFE Recovery: What to Expect

  • The recovery from uterine fibroid embolization is relatively quick.
  • Take it easy for the first few days
  • Avoid heavy lifting initially
  • Resume normal activities within about a week

How Effective is Uterine Fibroid Embolization?

UFE has a success rate of approximately 85–95%, with long-lasting results.2

It is also recommended by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) as a safe and effective treatment for uterine fibroids.

If uterine fibroids are affecting your quality of life, visit our contact page or call us at 947-228-5500 to schedule a consultation. We’ll work with all members of your care team to find the treatment that is right for you. Take our quiz to see if you qualify for UFE »

What Are the Benefits of UFE?

UFE may offer several benefits for women with symptomatic uterine fibroids:

  • Minimally invasive treatment
  • No major surgery
  • No general anesthesia
  • Preserves the uterus
  • Outpatient procedure
  • Return home the same day
  • Shorter recovery than traditional surgery
  • Treatment of multiple fibroids during the same procedure

Frequently Asked Questions about UFE

Download our UFE FAQs Document

A uterine fibroid is a specific type of tumor of the muscle cells of the uterus. They are benign growths but can alter a woman’s period in several different ways. Uterine fibroids do not spread to other parts of the body like some tumors can and are not typically dangerous. They are usually diagnosed by ultrasound or MRI. Research has shown that uterine fibroids will affect over 70% of White women and over 80% of Black women in the United States by the time they are 50 years old.3 You are at an increased risk of developing fibroids if you are overweight, African-American, over the age of 40, have had no children, or have a family history of uterine fibroids.

Symptoms of uterine fibroids can be divided into two different categories: bulk symptoms or bleeding symptoms.

  • Bulk symptoms are the result of the fibroids pushing on other structures in the pelvis. They can range from a bloated feeling to an urge to urinate frequently to constipation or even to abdominal enlargement.
  • Bleeding symptoms can range from heavy bleeding during menses to bleeding between periods. These symptoms can be so severe that some patients might require iron supplementation, or even blood transfusions.

Conventionally severe cases of uterine fibroids are treated with hysterectomy, which is the complete removal of the entire uterus. In selected cases myomectomy, which is the targeted removal of individual fibroids from the uterus.

Hysterectomy is an invasive surgical procedure that removes the entire uterus. It requires general anesthesia and a breathing tube during the procedure. The recovery can be long, taking up to several weeks, and it carries the risk of major bleeding, possibly requiring a blood transfusion or other procedures to stop the bleeding. Additional risks include infection possibly requiring antibiotics or a drainage catheter, damage to the bladder, urinary tract, rectum, or other pelvic structures requiring additional surgical procedures. There’s always the risk of adverse reaction to the anesthetic.

Myomectomy is an invasive surgical procedure that removes the fibroids but leaves the uterus in place. It often requires general anesthesia and a breathing tube during the procedure. In most cases, the patient will need to spend at least one night in the hospital afterward. The risks of myomectomy include major bleeding requiring a blood transfusion or additional procedures to stop the bleeding, the development of scar tissue around the uterus, and in some cases, the surgeon may need to remove the uterus during the procedure.

During the UFE procedure, the patient will receive sedation through an IV so that they are calm and comfortable but still breathing on their own. The procedure usually takes between one and two hours. Once the embolization is complete, the catheter is removed and pressure is applied to a small incision to allow it to heal. Afterward, the patient is observed for a short period of time before going home the very same day.

The recovery from uterine fibroid embolization is relatively quick. We do recommend that patients take it easy for the first three days after the procedure and avoid lifting anything heavy. Most patients will want to take those days off of work. Strenuous activity such as exercise should be avoided for the first week. After the first week, most patients feel well enough to resume their normal daily activities.

The risks of uterine fibroid embolization are less than the more invasive alternatives of hysterectomy or myomectomy. The risks of UFE include bleeding or infection at the incision site or adverse reaction to the imaging agents used during the procedure.

Our experience regarding the success of the uterine fibroid embolization procedure has been very positive. It typically takes about three months for the full benefit of the procedure to be appreciated and the fibroids do continue to shrink for about six to nine months after the procedure. According to large studies, approximately 85% of women who undergo the uterine fibroid embolization procedure do see a significant improvement in their symptoms. If a patient does not see the desired effects, the procedure can be repeated, and the overall successful outcomes increase to over 95%.

Take our quiz below to see if you qualify for uterine fibroid embolization (UFE).

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References

  1. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. “Uterine Artery Embolization.” ACOG Practice Bulletin, 2021.
  2. Worthington-Kirsch, Robert L., et al. “Uterine Artery Embolization for the Treatment of Uterine Fibroids.” Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology, vol. 16, no. 6, 2005, pp. 743–752.
  3. Baird, Donna D., et al. “High Cumulative Incidence of Uterine Leiomyoma in Black and White Women.” American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, vol. 188, no. 1, 2003, pp. 100–107.
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