Uterine Fibroids

Uterine Fibroids

Uterine Fibroid Embolization is a nonsurgical procedure that blocks blood flow to the fibroids, causing them to shrink and alleviate associated symptoms.

Uterine Fibroids: Procedural Details

A tiny tube called a catheter is inserted into the femoral artery at the top of the leg or into the radial artery accessed through the wrist. The patient is under sedation or in a ‘twilight sleep’ during the procedure. The catheter is then guided into the left and right uterine artery using x-ray and a contrast dye to visualize and map the arteries feeding the fibroids.

Tiny embolic particles are then injected through the catheter and into the uterine arteries that feed the fibroids, cutting off their blood supply.

With the blood supply blocked, the fibroids begin to shrink, but the uterus and ovaries are spared. The whole procedure usually lasts about 30-45 minutes with a 2-hour recovery. After the procedure, patients can return home on the same day. Patients can be moderately active immediately after the procedure and return to full activity after 7 days.

Advantages of Embolization Procedure

• The uterus is spared
• No Incision or Scar
• Less Risk than surgery
• Quicker recovery time (1-2 weeks vs 6 weeks for Surgery)
• Treat the Entire Uterus and Multiple fibroids at once

The Facts

• Up to 25% of all women may be affected by symptomatic uterine fibroids and up to 30-40% in perimenopausal aged women
• African American women are at an increased risk for fibroids
• Symptoms can begin as early as 14 years old
• Experts do not fully understand what causes fibroids