Department of Radiology / Vascular and Interventional Radiology

UTERINE FIBROID EMBOLIZATION (UFE)

THE OTHER OPTION

THE NON-SURGICAL TREATMENT FOR PATIENTS WITH UTERINE FIBROIDS

Vascular and Interventional Radiology
Department of Radiology
Ph: 210-567-5564

Members of the Team
The University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio

Darren Postoak, MD
Michael Wholey, MD, MBA
Fadi El-Merhi , MD
Rajeev Suri , MD , DNB
Marco Cura, MD

PROCEDURE INFORMATION :
UFE (uterine fibroid embolization) is a non-surgical treatment performed by an Interventional Radiologist. Uterine fibroid embolization is another approach for the treatment of uterine fibroids that blocks the arterial blood flow to the fibroids. It is a minimally invasive procedure, which means it requires a tiny incision in the groin and passes a small tube called a catheter through the artery. It is performed while the patient is conscious, but sedated. Once the uterine artery is reach, the interventional radiologist slowly releases tiny particles the size of a grain of sand into the uterine arteries that supply blood to the fibroid. This blocks the blood flow to the fibroid and causes it to shrink.

Generally there is an overnight stay at the hospital. Post-procedural pain is controlled through the use of a combination of pain medications. Ninety-nine (99%) of the women who have this procedure usually go home after one night. Recovery is short 1-2 weeks. Most women are up and around in a couple of days. The majority return to work after one week of recovery. The fibroids decrease in size over 2-3 months after the procedure.

1. A consultation is required from your OBGYN doctor, with copies of the patient’s last 2 clinical visits.

2. Results of a recent pap smear.

3. If patient has large amounts of bleeding, a recent (within 2 months) endometrial biopsy result will be necessary.

4. Negative pregnancy test.

5. Baseline ultrasound or MRI is required ( This will be performed in our facility).

6. Authorization from Health Insurance with approval for procedure.

7. You may fax the request/consultation to 210-567-0458 or you can call Carmen Young, RN at 210-567-3760 for a consultation appointment.

8. After discharge from the hospital, a clinic visit in 2 weeks for evaluation.

9. US evaluation at 1 month, 3 month, and 6 month post procedure.