Uterine Fibroid Embolism

Purpose of the Procedure

UFE is a minimally invasive procedure to treat uterine fibroids. Small particles are injected into the vessels feeding the fibroid tumors in your uterus. The injection into the vessel cuts off blood supply, causing the fibroid to shrink in size.

Before Your Procedure

• Do not eat 8 hours before and do not drink 4 hours before your procedure.
• Take medications with a sip of water. Certain medications cannot be taken prior to this procedure; your doctor will provide instructions if you need to adjust your medication.

During Your Procedure

A team of nurses, imaging technologists and a doctor will explain and perform the procedure.

• Imaging Technologist positions you on an exam table for X-ray
• Nurse places monitors on your arm and hand to measure your blood pressure, heart rate and oxygen level. You may receive oxygen during this procedure.
• A nerve block is performed to assist with pain control during the embolization.
• Doctor numbs the skin site and inserts a very small tube called a catheter into the vessel.
• Doctor uses X-ray to guide the catheter to the correct fibroid vessel and then injects particles to block the vessel/blood supply.

After Your Procedure

• You are monitored for about 60 minutes by a nurse.
• Your nurse provides home instructions to care for your procedure site and post procedure symptoms.

Care Following Your Procedure

• You may experience pelvic cramps for several days after your UFE procedure, and possibly mild nausea and low-grade fever as well. The cramps are most severe during the first 24 hours after the procedure and will improve rapidly over the next several days.
• Once you return home, you may be given prescriptions for your pain and/or other medication to be taken by mouth.
• You should be able to return to your normal activities within one to two weeks.
• Afterward it is normal for menstrual bleeding to be much less during the first cycle and gradually increase to a new level that is greatly improved compared to before the procedure. Occasionally you may miss a cycle or two or ever rarely stop having periods altogether. Relief of bulk-related symptoms usually takes two to three weeks to be noticeable and over a period of months the fibroids continue to shrink and soften. By six months, the process has usually finished, and the amount of symptom improvement will stabilize.
• Follow-up care is a key part of your health. Be sure to make and go to all appointments and call your primary care provider if you have questions.