UFE Vs. Hysterectomy
What’s the difference between uterine fibroid embolization and hysterectomy?
Uterine fibroids are benign growths that can develop anywhere in the uterus – either in the lining of the muscular walls, or the cavity
Up to 70% of women develop fibroids during their lives.
We can help. If you have symptoms like frequent urination, or heavy painful, debilitating bleeding due to identified uterine fibroids, you have several treatment options that might not require a hysterectomy.
In the majority of cases, fibroids may be successfully treated using minimally invasive procedures; total hysterectomy is not the only option. At Dallas Fibroid Center, we can conduct a comprehensive consultation and help you explore your treatment options.
Here is what you need to know about uterine fibroid embolization and a hysterectomy.
What is Uterine Fibroid Embolization?
Uterine fibroid embolization, or UFE, uses minimally invasive techniques to remove or reduce the size of uterine fibroids.
During a UFE procedure, a qualified interventional radiologist employs fluoroscopic x-ray imaging to visualize the transfer of embolic materials delivered via a catheter inserted into an artery in the groin or wrist. The materials prevent the flow of blood to the fibroid tumors only, which causes them to diminish and eventually disappear.
The UFE procedure has a success rate of about 85%. helping to markedly reduce fibroid symptoms.
What is a Hysterectomy?
Essentially, a hysterectomy treats fibroids surgically to remove either all or part of female reproductive organs.
Hysterectomies can be classified into two types:
Partial hysterectomy: A procedure that removes the uterus.
Total hysterectomy: A procedure that removes the entire reproductive apparatus, including the uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes, and ovaries.
It is important to recognize that both options are complex, extensive surgical procedures requiring lengthy recovery time.
There are several approaches used for both types of procedure, including:
- abdominal
- laparoscopy
- robotic-assisted
- vaginal
Laparoscopy-assisted hysterectomy is less traumatic than a standard surgical intervention, though it nonetheless requires significant recovery time — approximately four weeks. Abdominal hysterectomy, however, is a more invasive procedure, necessitating two months (or longer) of recovery time.
Traditionally, hysterectomy procedures have been recommended for multiple symptomatic fibroids or particularly large fibroids. Women who have fertility concerns or who wish to undergo less invasive treatment, however, have other options that might be more appropriate.
What Are the Differences Between UFE vs. Hysterectomy?
There are several treatment options for fibroids. While procedures like a partial or total hysterectomy are more complex and invasive, minimally invasive procedures like UFE might offer better outcomes.
Regardless of the procedure you feel is best for your health, lifestyle, and goals, at Dallas Fibroid Center, we are passionate about providing every patient with personalized guidance, education, treatment options, and care.
Although UFE and a hysterectomy are effective fibroid treatments, they are radically different procedures. Here are some of the major differences between the two approaches:
UFE
- Requires mild sedation
- Minimal downtime – approximately two weeks’ recovery
- Maintains uterine integrity
- Requires a single puncture but no closing stitches
- No overnight hospital stay
- Effective for multiple fibroid locations and sizes
- Can impact hormones and does not impact other organ systems
- Can significantly shrink but not remove fibroids entirely
Hysterectomy
- Requires general anesthesia
- Significant downtime with up to two months’ recovery
- Surgical removal of the uterus
- Requires a significant open incision and care for closing stitches
- Requires several days of hospitalization
- Effectively treats all fibroids by removing the uterus.
- Significantly affects hormone production and might encroach upon the function of other organs like the bladder, pelvic floor, and digestive tract
- Removes fibroids and the uterus completely
Prior to committing to any treatment, it is critical to undergo a thorough examination and diagnosis by your OBGYN and team of fibroid treatment specialists.
Effective Fibroid Treatment Starts with Dallas Fibroid Center
At Dallas Fibroid Center, we are dedicated to providing treatment that offers the best chance of preserving uterine health. We don’t believe that major surgical interventions requiring extensive recovery time are necessarily optimal solutions for symptomatic fibroids. Because most cases of fibroids can be addressed successfully using minimally invasive techniques like UFE, we want to encourage patients to investigate all possible options for treatment and fully appreciate the differences between hysterectomy and UFE.
Is UFE right for me?
Find out if UFE is the best treatment option for your needs and goals. Schedule a consultation with our team of specialists today.
