Uterine Fibroid Embolization

A Nonsurgical Treatment Option for Managing Fibroids

Uterine fibroids are very common, noncancerous growths that develop in the muscular wall of the uterus. While fibroids do not always cause symptoms, their size and location can lead to problems for some women, including pelvic pain, heavy bleeding and, in some cases, infertility.

The cause of fibroids is unknown, but research suggests that some women may have a genetic predisposition to fibroid development and that estrogen plays an important role in the formation of fibroids. Typically, fibroids worsen as a woman enters her 30s and 40s, and then the fibroids shrink when estrogen levels drop at menopause.

The traditional treatments for fibroids have largely been major abdominal surgeries, such as hysterectomy or myomectomy, requiring long and uncomfortable recovery times. Now, a new interventional radiology procedure called uterine fibroid embolization gives women a safe alternative to hysterectomy.

Fibroid Diagnosis

Typically, fibroids are first diagnosed during a gynecologic internal examination. Your doctor will conduct a pelvic exam to feel if your uterus is enlarged. The presence of fibroids is most often confirmed by an abdominal ultrasound. Fibroids also can be confirmed using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) imaging.

How the Procedure Works 

Uterine fibroid embolization blocks the arteries that supply blood to the fibroids, causing them to shrink. It is a minimally invasive, nonsurgical procedure, which means it requires only a tiny nick in the skin and is performed while the patient is conscious but sedated (drowsy and feeling no pain).

Uterine fibroid embolization is performed by an interventional radiologist, a physician who is specially trained to perform this and other minimally invasive procedures.

The interventional radiologist makes a small nick (less than one-quarter of an inch) in the skin of the groin and inserts a tiny tube into the femoral artery. The catheter is guided through the artery to the uterus using advanced 3-D X-ray imaging (fluoroscopy). Tiny plastic particles the size of grains of sand are injected into the artery that is supplying blood to the fibroid tumor. This cuts off the blood flow and causes the tumor(s) to shrink. The artery puncture where the catheter was inserted is cleaned and covered with a bandage.

              
 

Expected Results

Fibroid embolization usually requires a hospital stay of one night. Medications that control swelling typically are prescribed following the procedure to treat cramping and discomfort. Many women resume light activities in a few days and the majority of women are able to return to normal activities within 7 to 10 days.

On average, 90 percent of women who have the procedure experience significant or total relief of heavy bleeding. The procedure is about 85 percent effective in treating the pain caused by fibroids. Recurrence of treated fibroids is very rare.

Menstruation and Fertility

This procedure does not stop normal menstruation in most women. It does stop the abnormal bleeding caused by the fibroids. While this procedure does not result in infertility, we do not recommend this procedure for women desiring future pregnancy. After having this procedure, you should continue to use your usual method of contraception.

Side Effects and Complications

You should talk to your doctor about possible risks of any procedure you may choose.

FDA Approval

All devices, equipment and medications used for fibroid embolization are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Insurance

Most insurance companies pay for fibroid embolization. You will want to talk with your interventional radiologist about this before your procedure.

Contact Us

For more information or to schedule an appointment with a Bryn Mawr Hospital interventional radiologist, call 1-866-CALL-MLH.