Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) is a minimally invasive procedure that treats certain kinds of tumors of the uterus. Fibroid tumors, also referred to as leiomyomas, are noncancerous growths found in the wall of the uterus and can cause severe medical issues if left untreated. Traditionally, the only option for women with fibroid tumors was an invasive surgical procedure to remove the fibroids or even the entire uterus. The UFE procedure now allows the interventional radiologist to directly target each fibroid with embolic particles, causing the fibroids to shrink and eventually die off.
This new and innovative treatment option for women with symptomatic fibroids has revolutionized the way we treat patients, allowing for significant relief and a much faster recovery than an invasive hysterectomy. Talk with your doctor about all the risks and potential side effects of uterine fibroid embolization to see if this treatment is right for you and your condition.