Uterine artery embolization (UAE) is a procedure to treat fibroids without surgery. Uterine fibroids are noncancerous (benign) tumors that develop in the uterus (womb).
During the procedure, the blood supply of the fibroids is cut off, causing the fibroids to shrink.
UAE is done by a doctor called an interventional radiologist.
You will be awake but unable to feel pain. (This is called conscious sedation.) The procedure takes about 45 - 60 minutes.
The procedure is usually done this way:
UAE is an effective way to treat symptoms caused by fibroids.
Uterine artery embolization is generally safe.
The risks for any invasive procedure are:
The risks of uterine artery embolization are:
Always tell your doctor or nurse:
Before your UAE:
On the day of your UAE:
Women usually stay in the hospital overnight after UAE. Some women are able to go home the same day.
You will receive pain medicine. You will be asked to lie flat for 4 - 6 hours after the procedure.
Pelvic cramps are common for the first 24 hours after the procedure. They may last for a few days to 2 weeks. Cramps may be severe and may last more than 6 hours at a time.
Most women recover quickly and are able to return to normal activities within 7 - 10 days. The treated fibroid tissue may pass through your vagina.
Uterine artery embolization works well to decrease pain, pressure, and bleeding from fibroids in most women who have the procedure.
It is less invasive than surgical treatments for uterine fibroids. Many women are likely to return more quickly to actives after surgery.
As with other treatments for uterine fibroids, some women may require more procedures or a hysterectomy in the future.
Uterine fibroid embolization; UFE; UAE
ACOG Practice Bulletin: Clinical management guidelines for obstetricians-gynecologists. Number 96, August 2008. Obstet Gynecol. 2008;112:387-400.
Bradley L, Uterine Fibroid Embolization: a viable alternative to hysterectomy. Obstet Gynecol. 2009:127-135.
Goodwin SC, Spies JB, Worthington-Kirsch R et al. Uterine artery Embolization for treatment of leiomyomata: long term outcomes from the FIBROID registry. Obstet Gynecol. 2008; 111:22-33.
Tulandi T, Salamah K, Fertility and Uterine Artery Embolization. Obstet Gynecol. 2010;115:857-860.
Volkers NA, Hehenkamp WJ, Birnie E, Ankum WM, Reekers JA. Uterine artery embolization versus hysterectomy in the treatment of symptomatic uterine fibroids: 2 years' outcome from the randomized EMMY trial. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2007 Jun;196(6):519.e1-11.
Reviewed by: A.D.A.M. Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, and David R. Eltz. Previously reviewed by Susan Storck, MD, FACOG, Chief, Eastside Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound, Redmond, Washington; Clinical Teaching Faculty, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington School of Medicine (2/7/2009).
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