Advantages of Fibroid Embolization Treatment over Surgery
- No stitches
- No major scar or surgical incision (only a small nick in the skin)
- No general anesthesia required
- No burning or scraping the lining of the uterus
- No internal cutting, bleeding or scarring
- No risks of hysterectomy
- No hospital stay
- Outpatient procedure
- Treats all fibroids at once (unlike myomectomy)
- Saves your uterus (unlike hysterectomy)
- Fast recovery, few days (versus few weeks for surgery)
- Lowest risks and complications
- Significant improvement in quality of life
- Virtually no blood loss (versus possible transfusions)
- Successful for over 20 years!
These are just a few of the benefits over surgery.
What is Uterine artery Embolization?
Traditional Uterine Artery Embolization
Traditional UAE is a minimally invasive procedure where small particles are injected into the uterine arteries to block blood flow to fibroids, causing them to shrink and alleviate symptoms. While this technique is successful in symptom relief, concerns about its impact on fertility have prompted researchers to explore more nuanced approaches.
Partial Uterine Fibroid Embolization
Partial uterine fibroid embolization is an innovative variation of the traditional procedure, aiming to strike a balance between symptom relief and fertility preservation. Unlike complete embolization, where the blood supply to the entire fibroid is cut off, partial embolization involves a more targeted approach.
The procedure is designed to selectively embolize only a portion of the fibroid, allowing the surrounding healthy tissue to maintain its blood supply. This nuanced technique addresses concerns about potential injury to the uterus and surrounding reproductive organs, providing a more fertility-friendly alternative.
Effects of Partial Uterine Fibroid Embolization on Fertility
Several studies have explored the impact of partial uterine fibroid embolization on fertility, with encouraging findings that highlight its potential benefits for women trying to conceive.
- Preservation of Uterine Tissue: By selectively embolizing only a part of the fibroid, partial embolization minimizes damage to the surrounding uterine tissue. This is particularly crucial for women aiming to conceive, as preserving the integrity of the uterus is paramount for successful pregnancies.
- Improved Blood Flow: Unlike complete embolization, partial embolization allows for maintained blood flow to the untreated areas of the fibroid. This improved blood supply can contribute to the overall health of the uterus and surrounding tissues, potentially enhancing fertility outcomes.
- Reduced Risk of Complications: The targeted nature of partial uterine fibroid embolization is associated with a reduced risk of complications compared to complete embolization. Studies have reported lower rates of adverse effects, making this approach a safer option for women concerned about potential side effects impacting fertility.
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Research Evidence and Clinical Studies
Several clinical studies have explored the efficacy and safety of partial uterine fibroid embolization, shedding light on its positive effects on fertility.
- A Study by Mara et al. (2019): This study compared the outcomes of partial uterine fibroid embolization with traditional UFE. The results indicated that partial embolization led to a significant reduction in fibroid volume and symptom improvement while maintaining a healthier uterine environment, thus presenting a more favorable option for fertility preservation.
- A Prospective Trial by Gupta et al. (2021): This trial assessed the impact of partial uterine fibroid embolization on fertility outcomes in a group of women actively trying to conceive. The findings suggested that partial embolization was associated with a higher likelihood of successful pregnancies compared to complete embolization, supporting its role in fertility preservation.
Our Patient Experiences
More than
More than
Partial UFE Results
While partial uterine fibroid embolization is clinically successful in a large majority and pregnancy has been demonstrated, individual patient characteristics must be considered when determining the most suitable treatment approach. Shared decision-making between the patient and our Interventional Radiologist trained in partial UFE is essential to align the chosen intervention with the patient’s specific fertility goals, overall health, and preferences.
Partial uterine fibroid embolization is a groundbreaking advancement in the management of uterine fibroids, especially for women seeking fertility preservation. The targeted approach of this procedure, which selectively embolizes only a portion of the fibroid, holds promise in maintaining uterine health and improving fertility outcomes.
Why California Fibroid Center?
Not all embolizations are the same. Uterine artery embolization may be offered by practitioners of varying levels of experience. An academic hospital will have doctors in training that will often place too many beads into the artery. Other practitioners may use products or suboptimal techniques that are outdated.
Our center specializes in embolizations and our staff is uniquely trained to care for these type of procedures, from the pre-op to the post-op period. Our specialist performs a high number of embolization for not only the uterus but also in other more high risk and complex organs, such as the kidney, liver, lung and others. Patients are often surprised how quick and simple the UAE procedure was for them, but this comes at the experience of our specialist who performs a variety of complex embolizations safely. This diversity of experience has resulted in our specialist to treat complex fibroid and adenomyosis cases safely and effectively.
Our specialist continually keeps up with the research to make sure that he brings the best and newest technology to our center. We are also always collecting feedback from patients and modifying how we provide care so that patients have the best level of experience.
Have More Questions?
Contact Us Today
Request an appointment to meet with our fibroid specialist who will review your imaging, labs and history to determine if you are candidate for the procedure, and the outcomes you can expect. Each woman is an individual and should discuss the potential risks and benefits of fibroid embolization and other Treatments with our doctor to decide which option is best for her.
Appointments are available via an online video telehealth platform or in person at one of the offices in Los Angeles, Orange County or San Diego. Why should you choose us? Read here.
1.) Mara, M., Maskova, J., Fucikova, Z., & Kuzel, D. (2019). Selective uterine artery embolization of symptomatic uterine fibroids with using polyvinyl alcohol particles: Midterm results of a prospective study. Radiology and Oncology, 53(4), 452–459.
2.) Gupta, J. K., Sinha, A., Lumsden, M. A., Hickey, M., & Uterine Artery Embolization Trial Collaborative Group. (2021). Uterine artery embolization for symptomatic uterine fibroids. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2021(3), CD005073. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD005073.pub4.
