Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE)

What are Fibroids?

A fibroid is a benign tumor that arises from the uterus. Uterine fibroids are the most frequent causes for hysterectomy procedures in pre-menopausal women, and pose a major public health concern. Of the 600,000 hysterectomies performed annually in the United States, a third is due to fibroids.

Test for Fibroids

Bassett Healthcare Network’s interventional radiologists use MRIs to provide uterine fibroid diagnoses, determine if a fibroid can be embolized, and identify potential treatment options.

Fibroid Embolization

Uterine fibroid embolization is a minimally invasive interventional radiology procedure that is performed while the patient is conscious, but sedated and feeling no pain. 

A catheter is inserted into the femoral artery and guided into the uterine arteries. Tiny plastic particles are injected through the catheter into the uterine arteries to cut off the blood supply to the tumor, causing the fibroids to shrink.

The majority of women resume normal activities in seven to 10 days, and 85 – 90 percent of patients have significant or total relief of symptoms. After the procedure is done, the patient stays in the hospital overnight. 

Learn more about uterine fibroid symptoms and alternative treatments.

Schedule an Interventional Radiology Appointment

Bassett Healthcare Network’s interventional radiologists work with your gynecologist to provide an accurate uterine fibroid diagnosis, and detect any alternative causes for fibroid symptoms. Contact us today at (607) 547-3363 to schedule an appointment.

Bassett Healthcare Network offers uterine fibroid embolization throughout Central New York, including in Delhi, Little Falls, Herkimer, Oneonta, Cobleskill, and Cooperstown, NY.