What We Do > Vascular & Interventional Procedures > Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE)
Fibroids are benign non-cancerous growths within the uterus. They are often a common cause of heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, anemia, bloated abdomen, constipation, pain during intercourse, and a frequent need to urinate. African-American women and those with a family history of fibroids are more likely to develop fibroids.
Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) is a minimally invasive procedure that blocks the blood supply to fibroids causing them to shrink. Most UFE procedures are performed in the angiography suite under mild-moderate sedation and local anesthesia. The interventional radiologist inserts a thin tube through the artery at the top of the thigh and uses x-ray (fluoroscopy) to guide it to the uterine artery. X-ray dye is injected into the uterine arteries to identify the catheter position and once this is confirmed, tiny particles are injected into the blood vessels which block the flow to the fibroids and cause them to shrink. The procedure usually takes between 60-90 minutes. After the procedure, patients are monitored for several hours to ensure a comfortable recovery.
UFE allows the patient to recover quickly and return to her normal work routine within a few days compared to a hysterectomy where she is subjected to possible complications from open surgery and a 6 week recovery period.
For more information on preparing for Uterine Fibroid Embolization:
- A representative will call you prior to your procedure to review instructions and complete registration.
- You will be asked to complete a pelvic MRI scan prior to your procedure to determine the anatomy of the uterus and the vascularity of the fibroids.
- Your procedure may require an overnight hospital stay to monitor any discomfort and check for bleeding. If so, hospital registration may be required to complete the registration process.
- You will need to arrange for a driver to take you home.
- Make sure to let your doctor know if you are taking blood thinners (Aspirin, Lovenox, Plavix, Heparin, or Coumadin). You MAY be asked to stop taking these medications prior to your procedure.
PRE-OP:
- Do not eat or drink anything for 12 hours prior to your procedure
INTRA-OP:
- The procedure itself is not painful however light sedation medications will be administered through an IV in order to prevent any discomfort.
- A catheter will be placed in your bladder to make you comfortable with urination during and after the procedure.
- Before the embolization, an arteriogram (injection of contrast dye) into the arteries is performed to provide a roadmap of the blood supply to the uterus.
- Both uterine arteries are embolized during the procedure in order to ensure the entire blood supply to the fibroids is blocked.
POST-OP:
- Your procedure may require an overnight hospital stay for observation.
- After the procedure, you may experience mild pain/cramping in the pelvic area, nausea or low grade fever.
- You may begin to eat a regular diet once you are able to tolerate food.
- Patients are typically discharged home after one night in the hospital and a follow up appointment is scheduled at that time.
- You may resume your normal activites after 48 hours and return to work within 1 week.
- Once you are home, if you develop fever, severe pain or bleeding contact our office at 352/333 7VIP (7847). If it is after hours go to the nearest emergency room or call North Florida Regional Medical Center at 352.333.4000 and ask for the Radiologist on Call.
- A follow-up MRI scan will be performed 6 months after the procedure in order to confirm the success of the procedure.
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Vascular & Interventional Physicians
6685 NW 9th Blvd Gainesville, FL 32605
Phone: 352.333.7VIP (7847)
Direct Spine Line: 352. 313. 6873
Fax: 352.333.0990
Hours: 7:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Monday - Friday
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