Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE)

Non-surgical relief for fibroid tumors

Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) relieves symptoms while allowing a patient to avoid surgery. During a UFE procedure, interventional radiologists use an X-ray camera called a fluoroscope to guide the delivery of tiny particles to the uterus and fibroids. The small particles are injected through a thin, flexible catheter. These particles then block the arteries that provide blood flow to the tumors, causing the fibroids to shrink. Nearly 90 percent of women with fibroids experience dramatic relief of their symptoms.

Because the effect of uterine fibroid embolization on fertility is not fully understood, UFE is typically offered to women who no longer wish to become pregnant or who want or need to avoid having a hysterectomy, which is the surgical removal of the uterus. Benefits of UFE include no surgical incision, little or no blood loss, significantly less pain, a faster recovery and a quicker return to work and normal activities.