Interventional Radiology

Uterine fibroids are benign tumors of muscle tissue that arise from the wall of the uterus. They are usually asymptomatic but can cause pain, abnormal bleeding, urinary frequency, constipation, a feeling of abdominal bloating and pain during intercourse. Fibroids may also result in infertility.

Uterine fibroid embolisation (UFE) has been performed since the early 1990’s and provides an alternative, non-surgical treatment that is effective and does not require removal of the uterus or major surgery.

The procedure is performed by our specially trained interventional radiologist.

A small catheter is introduced through the artery in the groin and positioned into the arteries that feed the uterus. Tiny particles are injected into the arteries to stop blood flow.

The muscular wall of the uterus tolerates this well with no ill effects, but the fibroid deprived of its blood supply dies. Over time it will shrink as much as 70% allowing for improvement or complete resolution of symptoms. The procedure takes about an hour to perform.

After the procedure:
You will most likely have to stay in the hospital overnight as some post-embolization pain is expected.
Discharge the following day is usual and you can resume normal activity levels in 7-10 days.
UFE is not major surgery and the recovery time is considerably shorter than for hysterectomy, which can be as long as 3 months.

Read more about Uterine artery embolisation for fibriods on the Frequently asked Questions page