Uterine artery embolization

Alternative Names: Uterine fibroid embolization; UFE; UAE

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.

Description of Procedure

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:

• You will receive a sedative, a medicine that will make you relaxed and sleepy.
• A local anesthetic (pain-killer) will be applied to your skin around your groin. This will numb the area so you do not feel pain.
• The radiologist will make a 1/8-inch-long incision (cut) in your skin. Then the radiologist will insert a catheter (a thin tube) into your femoral artery. This artery is at the top of your leg. Next the radiologist will thread the catheter into your uterine artery. This artery supplies blood to the uterus.
• Small plastic or gelatin particles will be injected through the catheter into the blood vessels that supply blood to the fibroids. These particles block the blood supply to the tiny arteries that carry blood to the fibroids. Without this blood supply, the fibroids shrink and then die.
• UAE will be done in both your left and right uterine arteries, using only one incision (cut). If needed, multiple fibroids can be treated.

Risks of Uterine artery embolization

Uterine artery embolization is generally safe.

The risks for any invasive procedure are:

• Bleeding
• Having a bad reaction to the anesthetic or medicine that is used.
• Infection
• Bruising

The risks of uterine artery embolization are:

• Injury to an artery or to the uterus
• Possible problems with a future pregnancy. There may be a higher risk for problems with the placenta during a pregnancy and delivery. Women who may want to become pregnant in the future should discuss this issue with their health care provider.
• Menstrual periods may not return after uterine artery embolization.

Review Date: 10/12/2010
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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