Information for Patients
Uterine Fibroid Embolization
Uterine fibroids are benign growths that arise in the walls of the uterus. Relatively common, uterine fibroids affect approximately 20 percent to 40 percent of women over the age of 35. African-American women are the most racially prone group, as are women with a family history of fibroids. Women with uterine fibroids may suffer from severe cramps, excessive bleeding, pain or pressure in the lower pelvis, pain in the back of legs, constipation and bloating, anemia, and other debilitating symptoms.
Traditional treatments have included the surgical removal of the fibroids (myomectomy) or removal of the entire uterus (hysterectomy). Hormone therapies have also been shown to be moderately effective, but they carry undesirable side effects, such as hot flashes and bone loss.
To schedule an appointment with the Department of Radiology, complete the Request for Uterine Fibroid Embolization Consultation [PDF] and fax to (804) 828-5570.
For more information on the procedure, consult the patient preprocedure brochure [PDF].
About the Procedure
Radiologists at the VCU Medical Center offer women with uterine fibroids an option for treatment of this condition. Using uterine fibroid embolization, our team of experienced interventional radiologists uses X-ray imaging to guide a catheter placed in the upper thigh to the uterine arteries. Tiny particles are then injected through the catheter into the blood vessels, blocking them from feeding the fibroids, causing the fibroids to shrink and ultimately die. During the procedure, the patient is awake but sedated. This minimally invasive procedure requires only a small nick in the skin – about the size of a pencil tip – and only a local anesthetic is necessary to numb the incision site.
UFE has been performed on thousands of women worldwide since 1994 and has been successful in reducing the major symptoms of uterine fibroids with minimal hospitalization – most stay in the hospital for less than 24 hours. In fact, the entire procedure lasts only about an hour and most women can return to the functions of their daily routines within two weeks.
Ideal candidates are women ages 35 to 50 who have not responded to hormone therapy and do not plan future pregnancies.
Benefits of UFE
- No surgical removal of the uterus.
- Decreased bleeding or resolution of bleeding.
- Outpatient procedure.
- Decreased pelvic pain and pressure.
- May negate the need for hormone therapy.
- Virtually no blood loss.
- Quick procedure means prompt return to normal activities.
- Covered by most insurance.
- Overall significant improvement in physical and emotional well-being.
For more information, contact the Department of Radiology at (804) 828-4914.