Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) is a minimally invasive procedure to treat fibroids (tumors in the uterus). Fibroids are the most common uterine tumor in the female reproductive system. These benign muscular tumors are found in 25-40% of all women and can cause significant symptoms, such as pelvic pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, cramping, and pressure on pelvic organs such as the urinary bladder and intestines.

Until recently, fibroids were typically treated by performing a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus). Today, one option of treatment involves our interventional radiologist guiding a small catheter through the femoral artery to the uterine arteries. The radiologist then injects small inert particles to block the supply of blood to the uterine fibroids, ultimately causing them to shrink.

The potential benefits of UFE include:

• Preserves the uterus without surgical risks or hormone replacement therapy
• Decrease in menstrual bleeding from symptomatic fibroids
• Decrease in pelvic pain and pressure
• Smaller abdomen
• Improvements in urinary dysfunction
• Covered by most insurance companies
• Shorter hospital stay than hysterectomy
• Quicker return to work and normal activities than hysterectomy

To schedule a consultation with one of our Interventional Radiologists to determine if you are a candidate for UFE call:

• David Ring, MD, Coral Springs Medical Center
  954-344-3338
• Jon Guben, MD, Broward General Medical Center
  954-355-5516
• Linda Hughes, MD, Imperial Point Medical Center
  954-776-8824
• Joel Erickson, MD, North Broward Medical Center
  954-786-6450
• Michael Gordon, MD, Broward General Medical Center
  954-355-5516

UFE Information