Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE)

Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE), also called uterine artery embolization (UAE), is a nonsurgical procedure performed by an interventional radiologist. First performed in the U.S. in 1997, UFE is widely used around the world. Medical studies have found UFE to provide significant symptom relief in 85 to 90 percent of patients.

How We Shrink Fibroid Tumors with UFE

At the Center for the Advanced Treatment and Research (CATeR) of Uterine Fibroids, we have decades of experience performing UFE.

In this procedure, a catheter — a flexible tube, thinner than a coffee straw — is inserted into an artery in the upper thigh or wrist. Using low dose X-ray images, the interventional radiologist navigates this catheter to the uterine arteries, which supply blood to fibroid tumors. Tiny particles, which are the size of small grains of sand, are injected into the bloodstream and directed to fibroids in the uterus. These particles block the blood supply to fibroid tumors, which causes them to shrink over several months. As the fibroids get smaller and eventually resolve, patients experience symptom relief.

Benefits of UFE

UFE treats all existing fibroid tumors at one time, regardless of size, number or location, and without the need for subsequent follow-up visits.

This technique effectively shrinks fibroid tumors, while the ovaries and the uterus remain intact. UFE is often suggested as an alternative to hysterectomy.

At a Glance: UFE vs. Hysterectomy

Procedure	UFE	Hysterectomy
Doctor	Performed by interventional radiologist	Performed by gynecologic surgeon
Surgical or Nonsurgical	No incision, just a single needlestick in the groin or wrist	Incisions in the abdomen or through the vagina
Anesthesia	Local anesthesia (nerve block)	General anesthesia
How It Works	Treats fibroids by shutting down their blood supply; preserves the uterus	Treats fibroids by removing the uterus
Inpatient or Outpatient	Patients usually go home the same day.	Patients usually go home the same day after minimally invasive hysterectomy or stay about two nights in the hospital after traditional, open hysterectomy.
Recovery	Quick recovery (less than a week)	Longer recovery (two weeks for a minimally invasive procedure, much longer for an open procedure)
Prognosis	20% of patients need additional treatment after five years.	Definitive procedure; no need for additional therapies in the future

Candidates for UFE

UFE is for patients with fibroids who do not desire to become pregnant in the future. Patients may qualify regardless of the size, number or location of their fibroids.

Quick Recovery with UFE

Performed under light to moderate sedation, UFE is associated with minimal blood loss — no more than the amount given during a routine blood test. Most patients return home the same day. Since there is no incision, patients have a quick recovery and can return to work and resume normal activities within a week.

Can I get pregnant after UFE?

The effect of uterine fibroid embolization on fertility is not fully understood. If you’re considering a future pregnancy, we do not recommend that you undergo a UFE procedure. Please discuss other fibroid treatment options with your gynecologist.