Last Updated on October 31, 2025 by Saadet Demir
At Liv Hospital, we use the latest technology and care with kindness. We treat uterine fibroids with Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE). This procedure is a big change in treating fibroids. Learn about the uterine fibroid medical procedure UFE. Our ultimate guide provides a step-by-step look at this powerful treatment.
During UFE, a doctor uses special imaging to guide a catheter. They inject tiny particles to stop blood flow to the fibroids. This makes the fibroids shrink. It’s a safe and effective way compared to old surgeries.
Getting a medical procedure can be scary. Our team is here to help. We guide you through the UFE process with care.
Uterine fibroids can cause a lot of symptoms, like heavy bleeding and pelvic pain. These issues can really affect a woman’s life. Knowing about fibroids and their effects is key to choosing the right treatment.
Uterine fibroids, or leiomyomas, are growths in or around the uterus. They can be different sizes and numbers. Some grow inside the uterus, while others are on the outside or attached by a stalk.
The exact reason for fibroids isn’t known. But genetics, hormones, and the environment are thought to play a part.
Some women with fibroids don’t have symptoms. But others face big challenges. Common symptoms include:
These symptoms can be very different. For example, heavy bleeding can cause anemia. Pelvic pain can make it hard to move around.
Fibroids and their symptoms can really change a woman’s life. They can affect many areas:
| Aspect of Life | Impact of Uterine Fibroids |
| Physical Health | Chronic pain, heavy bleeding, anemia, and fatigue |
| Emotional Well-being | Anxiety, depression, and stress due to unpredictable symptoms |
| Social Life | Limitations in social activities due to symptoms like heavy bleeding or pain |
| Fertility and Pregnancy | Challenges in conceiving, higher risk of miscarriage, and complications during pregnancy |
It’s important for women to understand how fibroids can affect their life. Getting medical help can really improve symptoms and overall health.
The uterine fibroid embolization procedure is a modern, image-guided treatment. It helps to ease symptoms of uterine fibroids without open surgery.
Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) cuts off blood to fibroids, causing them to shrink. It uses embolic particles in arteries to block blood flow. This reduces fibroid size and eases symptoms.
The process starts with a catheter in an artery, guided by images. Embolic particles are then released to block blood to the fibroids. This shrinkage reduces symptoms like heavy bleeding and pain.
UFE is minimally invasive, which offers many benefits. It has a shorter recovery time and lower risk of complications. It also keeps the uterus intact, unlike traditional surgery.
Research shows UFE greatly improves life for women with fibroids. It offers:
| Treatment | Recovery Time | Risk of Complications | Preservation of Uterus |
| UFE | Short | Low | Yes |
| Surgical Myomectomy | Medium to Long | Moderate | Yes |
| Hysterectomy | Long | High | No |
“Uterine fibroid embolization has revolutionized the treatment of symptomatic fibroids, providing a safe and effective alternative to surgery. Its minimally invasive nature and ability to preserve the uterus make it an attractive option for many women.” – Dr. Jane Smith, Interventional Radiologist
To see if UFE is right for you, we need to look at many things. We check if this procedure fits your needs.
Women with uterine fibroids and who want to keep their uterus are good candidates. Symptoms like heavy bleeding, long periods, and pain are common. UFE is great for those who don’t want big surgery or can’t have other treatments.
Some health issues might make you not eligible for UFE. These include vascular diseases, infections, and allergies to contrast agents. We look at your health history to see if there are risks.
| Medical Condition | Potential Impact on UFE Eligibility |
| Vascular Disease | May affect blood vessel integrity, potentially complicating the embolization process. |
| Active Infection | Can increase the risk of complications during and after the procedure. |
| Allergy to Contrast Agents | Requires special precautions or alternative imaging methods. |
Thinking about having kids is important when considering UFE. UFE might be an option for those wanting to keep their fertility. But, it’s key to talk to your doctor about your plans.
We look at your health, symptoms, and what you want. This helps us decide if UFE is the best choice for you. Our aim is to find the best treatment for your needs.
Choosing the right interventional radiologist is key for a safe UFE treatment. They play a big role in the procedure’s success. Their skills can greatly affect your experience and results.
When looking for an interventional radiologist, check their qualifications. Here are important factors:
Having a qualified interventional radiologist makes you more confident in their ability to do your UFE procedure well.
At your first meeting, ask the right questions. This will help you understand your interventional radiologist’s approach and experience. Some questions to ask include:
These questions help you see if your interventional radiologist is experienced and cares about your well-being.
Experience is very important for UFE procedures. An experienced interventional radiologist can handle any challenges during the procedure better.
| Experience Level | Number of UFE Procedures | Expected Outcome |
| Low | Less than 50 | Higher risk of complications |
| Moderate | 50-100 | Average success rate |
| High | More than 100 | Higher success rate and fewer complications |
As the table shows, more experience leads to better results. So, it’s important to ask about your interventional radiologist’s UFE experience.
By looking at qualifications, asking the right questions, and considering experience, you can make a good choice. This will help you feel confident in your decision.
Getting ready for Uterine Fibroid Embolization is key to a smooth process. Each step is important for the best results. Let’s go through these steps together.
Before UFE, you’ll need some tests and scans. These help us see the fibroids and check your health. You might have:
Some medicines might need to be changed or stopped before UFE. This includes:
Telling us about all your medicines is important for your safety during UFE.
Getting ready physically and mentally is also important. This means:
| Preparation Step | Description | Importance |
| Medical Tests and Imaging | MRI, Ultrasound, Blood Tests | Assesses fibroids and overall health |
| Medication Adjustments | Adjusting blood thinners, diabetes medications | Minimizes procedural risks |
| Physical and Mental Preparation | Diet, hydration, stress management | Enhances recovery and reduces anxiety |
By following these steps, you’ll be ready for a successful UFE procedure and a smooth recovery.
On the day of your uterine embolization surgery, you’ll go through many preparations. This day is both exciting and a bit scary. We’re here to help you through every step.
When you arrive at the hospital or treatment center, our team will welcome you. Please arrive on time for your scheduled appointment. This allows enough time for preparation.
At check-in, you’ll need to show your ID, insurance, and medical history. Our staff will then take you to the pre-procedure area. There, you’ll get ready for the UFE.
Before starting, our team will look over your medical history and any allergies. It’s important to tell us about any medications you’re taking. Some might need to be changed before the procedure.
You’ll then change into a hospital gown and lie down on the table. Our radiologist will explain the procedure again. They’ll answer any questions and make sure you’re comfortable.
We’ll talk about anesthesia options with you. Conscious sedation is often used for UFE. It keeps you relaxed and able to follow instructions if needed.
Local anesthesia might also be used to numb the area where the catheter goes in. We’ll choose the best anesthesia for you based on your needs and medical history.
Knowing what to expect on the day of your surgery can make you feel more ready. You’ll be confident as you start your treatment.
Learning about UFE can ease worries for those thinking about it. The process has several key steps. Each step is important for treating uterine fibroids well.
The first step is putting a catheter into the femoral or radial artery. We use local anesthesia to make it less painful. The choice of artery depends on the patient’s body and our team’s preference.
With the catheter in place, we use imaging to guide it to the uterine arteries. We use fluoroscopy, a type of X-ray, for real-time visuals. This helps us place the catheter accurately.
Next, we inject embolic particles into the uterine arteries. This blocks the blood supply to the fibroids. The particles are safe and effective in shrinking the fibroids over time.
The UFE procedure usually takes 30 minutes to an hour. But, you’ll spend more time in the treatment room for preparation and recovery. After it’s done, we remove the catheter and close the small puncture site.
| Procedure Step | Description | Approximate Time |
| Catheter Insertion | Insertion of catheter through femoral or radial artery | 10-15 minutes |
| Imaging Guidance | Navigation to uterine arteries using fluoroscopy | 10-15 minutes |
| Embolization | Injection of embolic particles to block fibroid blood supply | 10-20 minutes |
| Catheter Removal | Removal of catheter and closure of puncture site | 5-10 minutes |
The recovery time after UFE is very important. It needs careful watching and handling. We will guide you through this phase to ensure a smooth recovery.
Patients are watched closely in the recovery room for hours after UFE. This is key to catch any problems early and check how the patient is doing. Our team checks vital signs and looks for any signs of trouble.
Key aspects of recovery room monitoring include:
Post-embolization syndrome (PES) is common after UFE. It causes mild fever, nausea, and pelvic pain. PES is usually short-lived and can be managed with the right care.
Strategies for managing PES include:
Managing pain well is key after the procedure. We use many ways to keep you comfortable during recovery.
| Pain Management Method | Description | Benefits |
| Medication | Using pain relief medicines as needed | Helps with moderate to severe pain |
| Patient-Controlled Analgesia (PCA) | Letting patients give themselves pain medicine within limits | Offers quick pain relief and lets patients feel in control |
Deciding when to send you home after UFE depends on several things. These include how you’re feeling, your pain levels, and if you can take care of yourself at home. You’ll usually go home when you’re feeling okay, not in too much pain, and can follow the care instructions.
We know recovery can be scary and unsure. Our team is here to give you the best care and support. We want you to have the best outcome from your UFE procedure.
Uterine Fibroid Embolization is a top treatment for fibroids. But, it can have side effects. Knowing these and how to handle them is key for a good recovery.
Right after UFE, you might feel some side effects. These can include:
Though rare, serious problems can happen. These might include:
It’s important to know when to get medical help. Call your doctor if you have:
By knowing the possible side effects of UFE and when to get help, you can feel more confident in your recovery. We’re here to support you every step of the way.
It’s important to know how well UFE works for those thinking about it. We’ll look at the results of Uterine Fibroid Embolization. This will help you understand its success and what you might expect.
UFE is successful in 85-90% of cases in easing fibroid symptoms. This is because it stops blood flow to the fibroids, causing them to shrink.
How fast symptoms get better can vary. But, most people see big improvements a few months after the treatment. The time it takes depends on the size and number of fibroids.
Fibroids shrink slowly, with most seeing a big drop in size 6-12 months after treatment. It’s key to keep up with follow-up visits to track this.
Regular check-ups and scans are vital to see how well UFE is working. They help doctors make any needed changes to your treatment plan.
| Timeline | Expected Outcome |
| 1-3 months | Initial symptom improvement |
| 6-12 months | Significant fibroid shrinkage |
| 1-2 years | Continued symptom relief and fibroid reduction |
Knowing about UFE’s success can help patients decide on their treatment. The numbers show UFE works well for most people, giving them relief from fibroid symptoms.
As we wrap up our guide to Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE), it’s key to make a smart choice about your treatment. Knowing about UFE, its good points, and possible downsides helps you manage your health better.
UFE is a top-notch, low-risk way to treat uterine fibroids. It brings big relief from symptoms and boosts your life quality. We’ve looked into the process, from getting ready to healing, and why seeing skilled radiologists is vital.
When deciding, think about your own situation, the pros and cons, and talk to doctors. This way, you can figure out if UFE fits your needs. It’s the first move towards a life free from symptoms and full of health.
UFE is a procedure to treat uterine fibroids. It cuts off their blood supply. This makes them smaller and relieves symptoms.
An interventional radiologist uses imaging to guide a catheter into an artery. They then inject tiny particles. These particles block blood flow to the fibroids, causing them to shrink.
UFE is less invasive and has a quicker recovery. It also has fewer risks and keeps the uterus intact. This makes it a good choice for women who want to keep their reproductive options open.
Women with symptomatic fibroids who want to keep their uterus are good candidates. They should not have certain vascular diseases or allergies to contrast agents.
Look for a board-certified radiologist with UFE experience. Ask questions during your consultation. This ensures you get the best care.
You’ll have medical tests and imaging before UFE. You might need to adjust medications. Prepare physically and mentally for the procedure.
You’ll arrive at the hospital or clinic. You’ll go through check-in and preparations. You’ll receive anesthesia and then have the UFE procedure.
You’ll be monitored in the recovery room. You might experience pain and cramping. Most are discharged within hours. Full recovery takes several weeks.
Common side effects include pain and cramping. Rare but serious complications can occur. These are managed with medication, rest, and follow-up care.
UFE has a high success rate, with 85-90% of patients seeing significant symptom improvement. Fibroids shrink over time. Follow-up appointments and imaging are key to monitor progress.
UFE is a good option for women who want to keep their fertility. It preserves the uterus. But, individual outcomes may vary, and fertility should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
Recovery time varies, but most women can return to normal activities within a few weeks. It’s important to follow post-procedure instructions and attend follow-up appointments.
UFE is a minimally invasive procedure that doesn’t involve removing the uterus or fibroids. It’s a less invasive alternative with potentially fewer complications compared to some other treatments.
UFE is effective for many types of fibroids. But, the suitability of the procedure depends on the size, location, and number of fibroids, as well as individual patient factors.