Types of Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE)
North Texas Fibroid specializes in treating uterine fibroids through minimally invasive artery embolization. Women see significant improvement in symptoms and quality of life when they decide to treat uterine fibroids. UFE treatment helps symptoms like heavy periods, pelvic pain, and cramps. Especially when a patient wants to maintain the uterus, uterine fibroid embolization has many benefits to treat fibroids compared to myomectomy or hysterectomy.
- UFE is a less invasive procedure
- There is a shorter hospital stay and quicker recovery time*
- Fewer complications after the procedure*
Dr. Handley can perform the UFE procedure either through femoral access (in the groin) or radial access (in the wrist). Patients looking for an alternative to a hysterectomy for fibroid treatment now have the option to have the procedure done through the femoral or radial arteries.
*Individual results may vary.
Femoral Access UFE
During uterine fibroid embolization (UFE), Dr. Handley injects particles into the uterine arteries that feed the fibroids. This blocks the flow of blood to the fibroid which results in it significantly shrinking and scaring over. When the procedure is performed through the femoral artery, a small incision is made near the groin to insert a catheter through the artery and to the uterine artery.
After the procedure, to avoid problems with the incision site, Dr. Handley will recommend that you lie flat after the procedure. Learn more about what happens before, during, and after uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) at North Texas Fibroids.
Radial Access UFE
During a radial access procedure, the uterine arteries can be reached by inserting a catheter into the radial artery through the wrist. The fibroid embolization is done the same way, but there are many benefits to performing UFE with radial access. Patients can typically sit up and move around sooner than a femoral access procedure. If a patient has concerns about modesty or groin sensitivity, they can choose to have UFE with radial access.
Pre-Op UFE Instructions from Dr. Handley
If an individual is experiencing problematic symptoms caused by uterine fibroids, it is best to select a treatment option that will provide optimal results for their unique case.
A uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) possesses many benefits over traditional surgeries. Many women prefer UFE due to the fact that it is much less invasive than a myomectomy or hysterectomy, which provides a better outlook for those who wish to remain fertile.
The entire process for uterine fibroid embolization is really quite simple, though there are a few ways that you can best prepare for the procedure in the days leading up to it.
Keep Us in the Loop
It is very important that you relay any and all necessary information to Dr. Handley prior to your UFE procedure. Among the most important topics to cover are:
- A list of all current medications and supplements that you take
- Any known allergies, particularly those that may interfere with a local or general anesthetic
- Insurance coverage for the procedure
- Any recent illness that may have compromised your immune system
- The possibility that you could be pregnant
- Who will be responsible for caring for you after the procedure and making sure that you get home safely if you are unable to drive yourself
Follow All Instructions Carefully
Your doctor is likely to recommend that you stop taking certain blood thinners prior to the uterine fibroid embolization. All patients are also required to stop eating and drinking after midnight on the evening before their UFE.
It is imperative that you follow all guidelines given to you by North Texas Fibroids to ensure optimal results from your uterine fibroid embolization.
Still Have Questions? Ask Dr. Handley
If there is anything at all that you don’t understand or are confused about regarding your uterine fibroid embolization, we highly encourage you to reach out to North Texas Fibroids so that we may provide any necessary clarification. Because this is your treatment, we want to make sure that you are entirely comfortable and confident before Dr. Handley begins the UFE procedure.
Please contact our local office at (972)736-9980 if you have any additional questions or concerns about your uterine fibroid embolization.