Uterine fibroids are benign (non-cancerous) growths that form in or around the lining of the uterus. Fibroids can vary widely in size, from as small as a grape to as large as a grapefruit, and may cause significant discomfort and symptoms.
“Symptoms of uterine fibroids usually fall into two main categories,” explains interventional radiologist George Zlotchenko, MD. “The first category involves abnormal uterine bleeding, either during or outside of the menstrual cycle. The second category is what we call bulk symptoms — pain and pressure that occur when fibroids press against nearby structures like the bladder or bowels.”
What is Uterine Fibroid Embolization?
Also called uterine artery embolization, uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) is a minimally invasive procedure performed by an interventional radiologist in an outpatient setting like CU Medicine Interventional Radiology – Ridgeline Medical Campus.
During UFE, a physician inserts a thin catheter into an artery, usually through the wrist or groin, and guides it to the uterine arteries that supply blood to the fibroids. Once in position, the doctor injects tiny microparticles into these arteries to block blood flow to the fibroids. Without the blood supply, the fibroids shrink over time, relieving symptoms such as:
- Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding
- Pelvic pain or pressure
- Pain during intercourse
- Frequent urination or constipation caused by fibroid pressure
Benefits of Uterine Fibroid Embolization
UFE offers several benefits over traditional surgical approaches to uterine fibroid complications.
Minimally invasive: UFE is a minimally invasive approach done under the guidance of X-ray for uterine fibroid relief and can be done in a comfortable outpatient setting.
Faster recovery: Most patients require only a small puncture site and no surgical incision that requires heavy recovery.
Lower risk: Since UFE does not require general anesthesia or major surgery, the procedure carries a lower risk of infection, bleeding or complications related to general anesthesia.
Uterus preservation: UFE can be a better option for women seeking to become pregnant in the future.
UFE is FDA-approved and endorsed by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists as a safe and effective treatment for uterine fibroids.
What to Expect During the Uterine Fibroid Embolization
UFE can be performed in a comfortable outpatient setting like CU Medicine Interventional Radiology – Ridgeline Medical Campus. During the initial intake, interventional radiologists will go over the patient’s bloodwork, imaging and discuss if they are a good candidate for the procedure.
Preparation: Patients may be asked to stop certain medications, such as blood thinners, before the procedure. Moderate sedation from an IV ensures comfort throughout. Interventional radiologists may use a hypogastric nerve block to numb the area around the pelvis.
Catheter insertion: After numbing the skin, the interventional radiologist inserts a small catheter into an artery in the wrist or groin.
Embolization: Using real-time X-ray imaging, the doctor carefully guides the catheter to the uterine arteries and releases the embolization particles to block blood flow to the fibroids.
Recovery: The procedure typically lasts one to two hours. Patients recover in a comfortable observation area before going home the same day. Patients may feel pain for the first 24 hours and up to a few weeks after the procedure.
In terms of when patients feel relief from uterine fibroids, Dr. Zlotchenko shares, “Bleeding symptoms usually stop immediately while bulk symptoms can take up to several months.”
For women with living with disruptive uterine fibroid symptoms, UFE can be a minimally invasive path to relief. Follow-up with Dr. Zlotchenko after UFE is usually at one or three months post-procedure.
To learn more or schedule an appointment, call CU Medicine Interventional Radiology – Ridgeline Medical Campus at (720) 516-0637. Learn more about George Zlotchenko, MD by visiting his provider page here.
