Advantages of UFE
Overview
Deciding to undergo any type of treatment if you have fibroids can be overwhelming. However, if your uterine fibroids are causing heavy menstrual flow, chronic discomfort, or even infertility, uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) can offer significant benefits.
Uterine fibroid embolization is an effective treatment that helps to block the arteries that supply blood to the fibroid. The fibroid/s shrink and eventually die as a result of the starving process.
Uterine fibroid embolization benefits
Several advantages of UFE make it a suitable treatment option for women. Some of the Uterine fibroid embolization benefits are:
Uterine fibroid embolism (UFE) is a cutting-edge, FDA-approved procedure ensuring that it meets the highest standards of safety and efficacy established by regulatory authorities. This approval underscores its reliability and effectiveness in providing a well-vetted solution for individuals grappling with uterine fibroids.
One of the distinguishing features of UFE is its minimally invasive nature, which translates to minimal scarring. Unlike traditional surgical interventions, UFE employs a targeted approach, reducing the impact on surrounding tissues and resulting in a more aesthetically pleasing outcome with virtually no visible scarring.
Compared to conventional surgical methods, UFE is considered a safer alternative. By avoiding the need for major surgery and associated risks, UFE offers a significantly reduced chance of complications, making it a compelling choice for patients seeking a safer path to fibroid treatment.
The minimally invasive approach is one of the many comforting uterine fibroid embolization benefits, which involves a small incision in the groin area, through which specialized tools are guided to the site of the fibroids. This targeted precision minimizes trauma to surrounding tissues, leading to quicker recovery times, less postoperative discomfort, and a more streamlined healing process.
No or minimal blood loss. No need for general anesthesia.
One of the key advantages of UFE is that it’s an outpatient procedure. Patients can undergo the procedure and return home on the same day, eliminating the need for an extended hospital stay. This not only contributes to convenience but also reduces the overall healthcare burden.
UFE facilitates a remarkably swift recovery, allowing patients to resume their regular activities, including work and daily routines, within one week. This rapid return to normalcy enhances the overall patient experience and minimizes disruptions to daily life.
One of the paramount benefits of uterine fibroid embolization is its capacity to address fibroid symptoms without necessitating the removal of the uterus. This preservation of the uterus is crucial for those who wish to retain their reproductive capabilities or simply avoid the physical and emotional implications of a more radical surgical approach.
UFE is associated with a lower complication incidence than traditional surgeries. The meticulous, minimally invasive technique reduces the likelihood of adverse events, contributing to a safer treatment experience for individuals seeking relief from uterine fibroids.
UFE has demonstrated efficacy in specifically targeting and reducing heavy menstrual bleeding, a common and distressing symptom of uterine fibroids. This targeted approach helps restore a more normalized menstrual cycle, improving affected individuals’ overall quality of life.
More than 90 percent of women report significant reduction or complete resolution of their fibroid-related symptoms after UFE.
UFE provides a permanent solution as once fibroid’s blood supply is cut off, they die and will not re-grow. All fibroids are treated at the same time, irrespective of their number and size. This is the reason that UFE is very effective in those patients who have recurrence after fibroid surgery (myomectomy).
Beyond addressing bleeding, UFE is effective in alleviating both uterine and menstrual pain associated with fibroids. By targeting and shrinking the fibroids, UFE provides tangible relief from the discomfort and pain that can significantly impact daily life.
UFE offers a comprehensive solution by addressing bleeding and pain and effectively eliminating or reducing various other symptoms associated with uterine fibroids. This includes symptoms such as pelvic pressure, urinary frequency, and discomfort during intercourse, providing a holistic approach to symptom management. UFE improved quality of life and women who underwent this treatment report high satisfaction-rate up to 80-90%.
UFE VS Hysterectomy - the key difference
Now that we have discussed the benefits of uterine fibroid embolization, let us shed some light on the difference between UFE and hysterectomy.
The severity of the symptoms influences the decision between UFE and hysterectomy, the desire for future fertility, co-existing medical disorders, and personal preferences.
It should be done in consultation with a medical professional. UFE and hysterectomy are quite distinct procedures. The following are the significant differences between the two treatments:
- Light sedation is used.
- There is no need for extensive recovery or downtime.
- Preserves uterine health by requiring only one puncture and no incisions that require stitches.
- No hospitalization is necessary for outpatient treatment.
- Used to treat fibroids of all sizes and in a variety of sites.
- It has no effect on neighboring organs.
- Fibroids are shrunk but not removed.
- Administers general anesthesia during the procedure.
- The recovery period may extend for several months.
- Includes partial or complete removal of the uterus.
- Inpatient – may necessitate several days of hospitalization and monitoring.
- It significantly impacts hormone production and can damage surrounding organ systems.
- Permanently eliminates uterine fibroids by means of uterus removal.
- By removing the uterus, all fibroid tumors are removed.
