Uterine Fibroid Embolization

The information below is based on a presentation provided by James Spies, M. D., MPH, Professor and Chairman, Dept. Of Radiology
Georgetown University Hospital


The information below is from the presentation handouts:


Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids

• heavy menstrual periods
• severe menstrual cramps
• pelvic or back pain
• pelvic pressure or abdominal bloating
• urinary frequency or urgency
• difficulty becoming pregnant or carrying pregnancy

- Impact of fibroids?  Location does matter!

• fibroids that distort the uterine lining can cause heavy bleeding
• bulk symptoms relate to all fibroids together
• pain may be caused by fibroids with local mass effect

Inquire with your doctor about the use of ultrasound versus MRI as an imaging tool for confirming, diagnosing, and estimating uterine and fibroid size. 

Choice of [surgical] treatments noted by Dr. Spies:  hysterectomy, myomectomy and UFE.  [Unfortunately] hysterectomy is the most commonly recommended therapy for symptomatic fibroids.  It is clearly not the only therapy.

- Myomectomy is more common in women in their 30s to preserve the uterus.

- UFE [uterine fibroid embolization] can be safely and effectively be used in most women with fibroids.  [In this procedure, plastic biocompatible beads are inserted into the blood vessels "feeding" the fibroid.  This permanent embolization causes scarring which is necessary to help plug the vessel cutting off the fibroids blood supply.]

This procedure usually requires an overnight stay, although some centers do as an outpatient procedure.  There is some pain after the procedure for about 2 -6 afterwards.  Hospital or center can provide pain relief intravenously.  One week off for recovery is recommended. 

Not all fibroids are treated just alike and not all fibroids are removed with myomectomy.

Women may have to have 3, 4, 5 interventions [surgeries] during the course of her reproductive years.

• Patients should try to get pregnant without surgeries first.
• Myomectomy [should be] the first therapeutic choice for those seeking pregnancy.
• While UFE still has a role in some patients, more study of the potential uterine and ovarian impacts of UFE are needed.

Again, according to Dr. Spies

Myomectomy may be preferred for those with strong interest in future childbearing.

UFE is the best choice for those patients done with childbearing wishing to avoid hysterectomy.

As always contact your health care provider (whomever that may be) regarding your personal and unique health concerns.

Disclaimer:  Howard University College of Medicine/Howard University Hospital, and their staffs, and the National Institutes of Health and staff and the doctor/presenter and the blogger for "Sorry But I Had To Scream" are not responsible for injury or illness resulting form the use of medications or modalities discussed during this educational activity.