Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) Consultation and Treatment at Winchester Radiology
Comprehensive Evaluation and Personalized Treatment Plan for Uterine Fibroids
Live Free from the Symptoms
of Uterine Fibroids
Uterine Fibroid Embolization is a minimally invasive treatment for treating pelvic pain caused by fibroids. As well as a shorter recovery time it is also safer than traditional surgery or Hysterectomy. We use a targeted treatment approach by shrinking fibroids to manageable sizes which in turn can eliminate your symptoms.
Comprehensive Evaluation for Uterine Fibroids
At Winchester Radiology, we offer expert consultation for Fibroid Embolization (UFE). Our experienced team of interventional radiologists and healthcare professionals is dedicated to providing compassionate care and comprehensive evaluation for each of our patients. We will provide a consultation and follow-up appointments but the procedure itself well be done at another healthcare facility. Whether you are experiencing painful symptoms from uterine fibroids, or are seeking a minimally invasive alternative to surgery, our team is here to help you achieve the best possible outcome.
Fibroids are non-cancerous tumor that forms on the Uterus wall’s smooth muscle.
Uterine Fibroid Embolization, also called UFE, is an outpatient procedure done by a specially trained Interventional Radiologist. This procedure aims to cut off the blood supply that feeds the fibroids. This will essentially starve them, causing the fibroids to shrink. As a result, the pressure they put on your uterus and surrounding organs is alleviated. Most patients report a substantial increase in their quality of life.
Unlike a Hysterectomy, Uterine Fibroid Embolization does not remove your uterus, and is not major surgery. Because it is a minimally invasive procedure, recovery time is much quicker and you can be out living your life in no time at all.
Key Advantages
UFE is a safe treatment option and like other minimally invasive procedures has significant advantages over conventional open surgery. That’s why 90% of all women were “satisfied” or “very satisfied” at final follow-up after being treated.
- Preservation of the uterus
- Decrease in heavy menstrual bleeding from symptomatic fibroids
- Decrease in urinary dysfunction
- Decrease in pelvic pain and/or pressure
- Virtually no blood loss
- Typically performed as an outpatient procedure
- Offers a shorter clinic stay and a faster return to work than a hysterectomy
- Is a safe procedure that involves minimal risk and fewer complications after 30 days, when compared to having a hysterectomy
- Overall, significant improvement in patient’s physical and emotional well-being
- Covered by most insurance companies
Frequently Asked Questions
Is This Procedure Covered By Insurance?
Most insurances cover this procedure.
Who Is At Risk?
Since uterine fibroids are the most common tumors within the female reproductive system, all women are at a potential risk of developing them. The majority of uterine fibroids are diagnosed in women between the ages of 35 and 54. However, fibroids can occur in women of any age.
Are most patients eligible?
Yes. If you are exhibiting symptoms and your MRI or Ultrasound is showing fibroids, it is very likely that you are a candidate.
When can I return to work?
It is normally recommended patients wait 1 week before returning to work.
Do I Need To Be Referred By My Primary Care Doctor or OB/GYN ?
No referral is needed. You can call our office and schedule your consultation with one of our Interventional Radiologists.
What happens the day of the procedure?
You will come in early in the morning and register. An IV will be started on your right arm as the left is always used for wrist access for this procedure.
You will lay on the procedure table and our skilled nurses will give you IV sedation to relax you and make you comfortable. Odds are you will not feel or remember a thing during the procedure.
IV dye is used. If you have an allergy to iodine or IV dye or poor renal function, let us know during the consultation. This usually does not preclude the procedure, and we make a few minor adjustments. You may need to take steroids the night before and/or get extra IV fluids after.
The procedure itself takes on average 30 minutes with a total x-ray time of 4-10 minutes (well below the national average).
What happens after the procedure?
You will awaken from your twilight sedation, pain medications will already be on-board. Afterwards you will rest in recovery for 2-4 hours, then go home. It is rare now with our protocol that you would need to spend the night.
You will feel cramping and discomfort for 24-48 hours. Some women tolerate it very well while others have more severe symptoms. We will manage this as best as medications allow.
Is recurrence of fibroids and symptoms possible?
This is extremely rare. Unlike myomectomy that cherry-picks out certain fibroids, UFE when done properly kills every single fibroid, big and small, even those not detectable on imaging.
What Our Patients Have to Say…
My experience with Dr.Couvillon and his team was very positive. I was nervous and apprehensive about my UFE procedure but Dr.Couvillon and his entire team have the medical knowledge and people skills that put my uneasiness to rest quickly. I would recommend this practice to my friends and family. I’m grateful for such a positive medical experience with this facility
I had an appointment with this facility. I have never, ever, met a more friendly or more personable group of professionals in my long life. It was a really great medical appointment
Everyone is very kind. Pleasant experience! I will be back.