Fibroids are abnormal soft tissue growth in and around your uterus. Around 40% of women suffer from uterine fibroids which are challenging to detect. Uterine fibroids can present with some debilitating symptoms that can negatively impact your quality of life. 

Uterine fibroid embolization Houston, TX is a minimally invasive procedure that can treat fibroids and relieve the painful symptoms associated. 

What is uterine fibroid embolization (UFE)?

Uterine fibroid embolization is a minimally invasive surgical procedure to shrink benign overgrowths in your uterus called uterine fibroids. 

This procedure blocks the blood supply to the artery, supplying the fibroids. Your doctor injects tiny particles into the arteries which stick to the inner wall lining. This causes a clot to develop that blocks the blood supply. This shrinks the fibroids. 

When is UFE recommended?

Your interventional radiologist can recommend UFE if you have:

• Small size uterine fibroids 
• Low blood count due to excess bleeding caused by fibroids
• Abdominal pain and bloating
•  Enlarged uterus 
• Pain during sexual intercourse 

UFE may be the right choice if you want to avoid surgery, and are looking for a safe alternative to hysterectomy. 

What are the benefits of UFE?

Some of the many benefits of UFE are:

• Minimally invasive, thus reduces the risk of trauma to the surrounding structures
• FDA approved
• Outpatient procedure 
• No scarring
• Provides symptomatic relief 
• Preserves your uterus
• Minimal post-procedure complications
• Back to routine activities in 1 week 

How is UFE performed?

Uterine fibroid embolization is an outpatient procedure, which is as follows:

• You will be sedated through an IV infusion
• The doctor will insert a thin, flexible tube or catheter in your groin area to block the desired artery supplying the fibroid
• The artery is located through ultrasound guidance 
• Tiny particles are delivered through the catheter into the blood vessels
• X-rays are taken to confirm the artery blockage 
• The catheter will be slowly withdrawn once the embolization is complete
• The entire procedure may take around 20 to 30 minutes

Post-embolization, you will be kept in the recovery room and your vitals will be checked. Once you are stable you will be sent home with all the necessary instructions. It will take at least 1 week to recover. 

Conclusion

Uterine fibroids are common, leading to abdominal pain, and heavy menstrual bleeding. Contrary to the past, uterine fibroid embolization is an excellent alternative to hysterectomy and myomectomy. UFE is beneficial since it preserves your uterus. 

Being a minimally invasive procedure, it offers quick recovery with minimal post-procedure complications. 

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