A tiny catheter the size of a piece of spaghetti is advanced under X-ray guidance into each of the uterine arteries one at a time. Each uterine artery branches like a tree. The catheter is parked in the main “trunk,” and the fibroids are fed by the small peripheral branches like the leaves of the tree. Tiny particles of polyvinyl alcohol (the material contact lenses are made of) are injected, which plug up the very small peripheral fibroid branches. Without a blood supply, all of the fibroids will die. As the fibroids die, they will soften and begin to shrink. As this process occurs, a woman’s symptoms start to fade away. The main uterine trunk and the large uterine branches stay open. The uterus remains alive and, as previously mentioned, our patients have had many babies born after UFE.
With UFE, a woman should expect the following three significant advantages:
1. UFE has a very high success rate with a very low complication rate (dramatically lower than any surgical option).
2. With UFE, you not only avoid these risks but also a much longer recovery from a surgical procedure.
3. You get to keep your uterus!
Many surgeons undervalue the uterus, particularly after women have completed childbearing. The uterus has a lot of important functions that extend beyond giving birth, and it should not be removed with such a cavalier attitude. Many women struggle sexually or psychologically after hysterectomy. Many will leak urine. Don’t believe me? Next time you’re in the drugstore, look at whose picture is on the Depends package. Grandma? Grandpa? Nope. It’s typically a young, attractive African American woman. There’s also a lot of bone loss after hysterectomy.
In summary, hysterectomy is not necessary to treat fibroids and should be a last resort, not a first and only option as presented to most women. If you or someone you know are suffering with uterine fibroids, please get an opinion from an experienced interventional radiologist to see if you’re a candidate for UFE. To learn more about fibroids or the UFE procedure, please visit ATLii.com.
