Look Beyond Hysterectomy and Discover UFE
A highly effective, minimally invasive procedure, UFE typically takes less than an hour to perform. Clinically proven to reduce the major symptoms of uterine fibroids, UFE has become one of the most successful alternatives to hysterectomy procedures.
Below, we explain how UFE works, who is a good candidate, what recovery looks like and who performs it, so you can decide with your doctor whether it is right for you.
The UFE Procedure
Uterine fibroid embolization, also known as uterine artery embolization, is clinically proven to reduce the major symptoms of fibroids, including pelvic pain and pressure, excessive and prolonged bleeding, and frequent urination. It is often performed as an outpatient procedure and the procedure itself lasts about an hour. Compared to a larger surgical incision, UFE is performed through a tiny pinhole like puncture in the upper thigh to provide access to the arteries feeding the fibroids.
UFE is performed by an Interventional Radiologist (IR). Interventional radiologists are medical doctors with additional six or seven years of specialized training after medical school requiring sub-specialized fellowship training after a diagnostic radiology residency. They are certified by the American Board of Radiology. The concept behind interventional radiology is to treat patients using the least invasive techniques currently available to minimize risk to patients and improve health outcomes. Utilizing contemporary imaging techniques, interventional radiologists can effectively treat various complex medical conditions through a pinhole incision with unprecedented precision. This results in reduced risk, less pain, and shorter recovery times. Many of the conditions treated with these techniques involve the vascular system and because of this focus, Interventional Radiologists are considered Vascular Specialists.
Uterine fibroid embolization begins with a tiny pinhole like puncture in the groin area. This puncture provides the Interventional Radiologist (IR) with access to arteries that feed the fibroids. Using specialized X-ray equipment, the IR passes a catheter (small tube) into the pinhole like puncture to the uterine artery, and guides it near the location of the fibroid tumor.
When the IR has reached the location of the fibroids, embolic material (small spheres) are injected through the catheter and into the blood vessels feeding the fibroid, depriving it of oxygenated blood.
The oxygen deprivation results in fibroids shrinking. The embolic material remains permanently in the blood vessels at the fibroid site. The catheter is then moved to the other side of the uterus. Once the IR has completed embolization of the uterine artery on both sides, the catheter is gently removed.
The entire UFE treatment typically lasts less than one hour, and is typically performed as an outpatient procedure.
Is UFE Right for Me?
UFE may be a good option if fibroids are causing symptoms such as:
- Heavy or prolonged periods
- Pelvic pain, pressure or bloating
- Frequent urination
- Anemia from heavy bleeding
Many women choose UFE because they want to keep their uterus or avoid the recovery that comes with surgery. UFE is not right for everyone. A consultation, including a review of your imaging, will show whether it fits your situation, including any plans for future pregnancy.
Recovery After UFE
The first few hours after the procedure are usually the most uncomfortable. Cramping, nausea or a low-grade fever can occur and typically ease within the first week. Many patients return to work soon after, though we recommend taking a day or two off. You will need someone to drive you home. Read more about recovery after UFE.
Proven Clinical History
UFE was first performed in 1994 and has an extensive clinical history. Hundreds of thousands of women worldwide have been treated with the procedure.
Clinical studies show that UFE provides substantial improvement in major symptoms, including pelvic pain and discomfort, heavy menstrual bleeding, and urinary problems. Three-year data from the Fibroid Registry for Outcomes Data (FIBROID) indicated that UFE offers sustained improvement in quality of life and symptom relief—90 percent of the women participating avoided a hysterectomy, of which 85 percent had substantial improvements in symptoms and quality of life.
Your UFE Specialist
UFE at 1Fibroid Center is performed by Dr. Yosef Golowa, MD, FSIR, who is double board-certified in diagnostic radiology and vascular and interventional radiology and is a Fellow of the Society of Interventional Radiology. His background includes more than 12 years as an attending physician at Montefiore Medical Center and an appointment as Associate Professor of Radiology at Albert Einstein College of Medicine. He works alongside our gynecologists, so your care is coordinated from diagnosis through recovery.
Insurance and Locations
We accept most insurance plans, including many Medicaid plans. Our staff will check your specific benefits before your procedure.
Consultations are available at our Midtown Manhattan office, 800 Second Avenue, 9th Floor, and at our Forest Hills, Queens, office, 69-15 Yellowstone Blvd.
Imagine a Life Free of Fibroid Symptoms
Talk with our team about whether UFE is right for you.
Call (212) 991-9991 Request an appointment online
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