Uterine artery embolization

Definition

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 to the fibroids is cut off. This typically causes the fibroids to shrink.

Alternative Names

Uterine fibroid embolization; UFE; UAE

Description

UAE is done by a doctor called an interventional radiologist.

You will be awake, but you will not feel pain. This is called conscious sedation. The procedure takes about 30 to 90 minutes.

The procedure is usually done this way:

Why the Procedure Is Performed

UAE is an effective way to treat symptoms caused by fibroids. Discuss with your health care provider whether this procedure is likely to be successful for you.

Women who benefit from UAE may:

Risks

UAE is generally safe.

Risks of any invasive procedure are:

Risks of UAE are:

Before the Procedure

Always tell your provider:

Before UAE:

On the day of UAE:

After the Procedure

You may stay in the hospital overnight. Or you may go home the same day.

You will receive pain medicine. You will be instructed to lie flat for 4 to 6 hours after the procedure.

Follow any other instructions about taking care of yourself after you go home.

Moderate to severe abdominal and 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 to 10 days. Sometimes portions of the treated fibroid tissue may pass through your vagina.

Outlook (Prognosis)

UAE works well to decrease pain, pressure, and bleeding from fibroids in most women who have the procedure.

UAE is less invasive than surgical treatments for uterine fibroids. Many women may return more quickly to activities than after surgery.

Similar to a myomectomy or any procedure where the uterus is not removed, there is a small risk of recurrence of bleeding from fibroids. If this occurs, the symptoms can be treated with hysterectomy (surgery to remove the uterus), myomectomy (surgery to remove the fibroid) or repeating the UAE.

References

Dolan MS, Hill CC, Valea FA. Benign gynecologic lesions: vulva, vagina, cervix, uterus, oviduct, ovary, ultrasound imaging of pelvic structures. In: Gershenson DM, Lentz GM, Valea FA, Lobo RA, eds. Comprehensive Gynecology. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 18.

Moravek MB, Bulun SE. Uterine fibroids. In: Jameson JL, De Groot LJ, de Kretser DM, et al, eds. Endocrinology: Adult and Pediatric. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 131.

Spies J. Uterine fibroid embolization. In: Mauro MA, Murphy KP, Thomson KR, Venbrux AC, Morgan RA, eds. Image-Guided Interventions. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 43.


Review Date: 1/10/2023
Reviewed By: Jason Levy, MD, FSIR, Northside Radiology Associates, Atlanta, GA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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