UFE FAQ

When it comes to effectively treating uterine fibroids, there can be a lot of options to consider. In previous years, a hysterectomy was the standard surgery used to treat fibroids, since removing the uterus entirely was the only way to guarantee relief from symptoms. Thankfully, recent advancements in medical technology have allowed for more minimally invasive methods to be made available, including uterine fibroid embolization, or UFE.

Uterine fibroid embolization may also be referred to as uterine artery embolization (UAE).

At Vascular Tree, our interventional radiologists are highly skilled in performing intravenous procedures such as UFE. Rather than make a surgical incision to the uterus, or even anywhere in the pelvis, our specialists are able to treat the patient’s fibroid(s) by threading a thin tube through a small cut in the groin or wrist. The tube, also called a catheter, is carefully maneuvered through the arteries until it reaches the target area. Once in place microsphere particles or beads are injected into the small arteries supplying the fibroids. This effectively cuts off the blood flow to the fibroids causing them to die and ultimately shrink. This is called embolization and is a global treatment, meaning it treats all the fibroids no matter the number or location.

Uterine fibroid embolization is typically performed on an outpatient basis, meaning that women treated for fibroids at Vascular Tree may return home following their procedure. Over the next several weeks the patient’s fibroids should gradually reduce in size as they continue to not receive the blood necessary for further development and growth.

Compared to more traditional approaches to treating fibroids, such as a hysterectomy, UFE is much less invasive. Avoidance of making a large incision and putting a patient fully under anesthesia during their treatment lowers both the risk of potential complications and the amount of recommended recovery time for the patient. A majority of patients following UFE are able to return to light activities in a couple of days and normal unrestricted activity by 2-4 weeks.

Although UFE has not been definitively proven to not impact a woman’s fertility, it protects her potential to have a child in the future, which is certainly not possible following the surgical removal of the uterus (hysterectomy).
Uterine fibroid embolization is very safe, and is associated with significantly lower rates of complications following treatment compared to other common fibroid removal procedures. The most common side effects following UFE are:
  • Irregular menstrual cycles
  • Skipping the first 1 or 2 menstrual cycles after UFE treatment
  • Early menopause (usually seen in patients 45+ years in age)
  • Less common prolonged vaginal discharge
Much more rare potential outcomes from UFE include fibroid expulsion, non-target embolization, and infection. Be sure to contact Vascular Tree immediately if you experience any abnormal symptoms following your UFE procedure, as they may be signs of a rare complication. Such symptoms include unexplained bleeding, bruising, and severe pain.

Most major insurance carriers will cover the cost of uterine fibroid embolization, as it is a well-proven treatment for women suffering from fibroids. These costs may vary depending upon each person’s unique coverage plan, which is why we recommend that you contact your insurance agent before confirming your UFE procedure.

The costs of performing UFE at Vascular Tree are universally much less than the hospital setting with no additional facility fees, room fees or anesthesia fees charged to the patient

At Vascular Tree, our team is dedicated to helping patients achieve effective and affordable treatment. We also participate in a variety of other payment plan programs to help patients without comprehensive insurance coverage to pay for their UFE procedure. Please call our office in Cary, NC for further assistance.

In general, UFE has historically been shown effective in treating all types of fibroids. However, each patient and their treatment expectations are different. Vascular Tree specialists will review your case and discuss with you all your options. We maintain an excellent rapport and professional relationship with many gynecology practices and prefer to work in conjunction with them to best achieve your healthcare goals.

Contact Us Today

To discuss additional questions and concerns regarding UFE, please contact Vascular Tree to set up an appointment with one of our experienced providers. New patients may either call our office at 919-378-1448, or simply submit a request online using our secure form.