Embolization Treatment for Uterine Fibroids

An interventional radiologist injects small, specially engineered particles into the uterine arteries that supply blood to the fibroid. Once the particles stop the flow of blood to the fibroid, the tumor shrinks and symptoms are relieved. Usually, the fibroid shrinks to half its original size within the first three months following UFE. Because embolization is a permanent treatment, it is unusual for tumor regrowth to occur.

"Between 85-90% of UFE patients report reduced or completely alleviated symptoms and are happy with the procedure and its results,” noted Dr. Robert Vogelzang, professor and chief of vascular and interventional radiology at Northwestern University Medical School (Chicago, IL, USA; www.nums.nwu.edu). Dr. Vogelzang spoke about the procedure during a media briefing by the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) in New York (NY, USA).

Patients with excessively large fibroids, fibroids outside the uterus, or active infections are not good UFE candidates. Long-term studies are needed to determine if UFE is uniformly safe for women who wish to become pregnant. A multicenter study indicated that successful pregnancies can occur after UFE.




Related Links:
Northwestern