UFE vs. Myomectomy: Which Option is Best for You?
Uterine fibroids generally do not cause symptoms, but if you have symptomatic uterine fibroids, you may experience abnormal or heavy bleeding, frequent urination, or severe menstrual cramps. If you have been diagnosed with uterine fibroids, you need to find the right fibroid treatment to get relief from your symptoms. There are several uterine fibroid treatment options, including a myomectomy. A myomectomy is a more invasive surgical procedure that removes only certain types of fibroids. In addition, a myomectomy has a higher recurrence rate than a uterine fibroid embolization.
Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) is another treatment option for fibroids. UFE is a minimally invasive, image-guided procedure that effectively reduces the size and symptoms of fibroids. Due to its minimally invasive nature, UFE is often preferred over a myomectomy. It targets all fibroids, regardless of amount and size. UFE has a lower risk of complications, shorter recovery times, and does not require a hospital stay. At American Fibroid Centers, our affiliated fibroid specialists have decades of experience performing UFE procedures, using cutting-edge technology and minimally invasive techniques. Learn more about UFE vs. myomectomy to help decide on the right treatment option for you.
Uterine Fibroid Embolization
UFE is a minimally invasive, outpatient procedure that deprives the fibroids of their blood supply, causing them to stop bleeding and shrink. Unlike a myomectomy, where there is a greater risk of potential complications after surgery, UFE has fewer reported risks or complications. Other benefits of UFE include:
- Less invasive than surgery
- Light or moderate sedation
- No hospital stay (outpatient procedure)
- Lower risk of complications
- No stitches or scarring
- Full recovery in 10 days
- Lower incidence of regrowth of fibroids
Myomectomy
Myomectomy differs from the UFE procedure in several ways. A myomectomy can be a major surgery that causes larger complications, such as excessive blood loss, development of blood clots, infection, and complications with pregnancy after the procedure. Other differences include:
- Major surgery
- Requires general anesthesia
- Requires a hospital stay
- Higher risk of complications
- Stitches and scarring
- Full recovery in 2-6 weeks
- Higher incidence of regrowth of fibroids
UFE vs. Myomectomy Procedure
Myomectomy surgically removes fibroids while preserving the uterus. It can be done through one incision or in some cases multiple incisions, in the vagina, cervix, or lower abdomen. There are three types of myomectomy procedures: abdominal, laparoscopic, or hysteroscopic surgery. The type of surgery depends on the size, location, and number of fibroids present. You can expect a myomectomy to take between 2-3 hours.
Uterine fibroid embolization, on the other hand, inserts a thin catheter through the upper thigh into the femoral artery. Then, small gel particles are injected into the blood vessels that supply blood to the fibroids. These particles block the blood supply to the fibroid, causing it to shrink. UFE is performed as a same-day procedure and usually takes around an hour to complete.
UFE vs. Myomectomy Recovery Time
Recovery time for a myomectomy may look different for everyone, depending on which type of surgery a patient receives to treat their fibroids. An abdominal myomectomy involves an overnight hospital stay and about 4-6 weeks of recovery time before you can resume normal activities. A laparoscopic myomectomy involves a 2-4 week recovery period, and a hysteroscopic myomectomy involves a 1-2 week recovery. Since UFE is generally less invasive than a myomectomy, the majority of patients are fully recovered within 10 days and go back to work and resume daily activities.
Which Fibroid Treatment is Right For You?
Although a myomectomy is an effective treatment for removing fibroids, there is a chance your fibroids will re-grow and cause the same symptoms again in the future. Regrowth is possible in UFE as well, just at lower rates. Either omit or change wording. A myomectomy may also cause health complications after your procedure, such as blood clots, infection, scarring, and fertility complications from infections or scarring.
At American Fibroid Centers, we recommend uterine fibroid embolization for any woman considering fibroid treatment. Not only does the uterus remain intact but, since it’s a minimally invasive procedure, there is also no scarring or extensive recovery period. UFE offers a success rate of about 85%, with most women seeing remarkable improvement in their symptoms.
Why Choose American Fibroid Centers for UFE?
The American Fibroid Centers’ affiliated physicians are among the nation’s most respected providers of endovascular procedures, including UFE. Our high-quality fibroid treatment centers in NY and NJ feature individual patient rooms, state-of-the-art operating rooms, and separate recovery areas to ensure the most comprehensive care from start to finish.
Most of our outpatient centers are accredited by the Joint Commission and adhere to the utmost standards. If you’re considering UFE, look no further than American Fibroid Centers. Our team is committed to helping you find relief for your fibroid pain and other debilitating symptoms so you can live more comfortably.
Our Fibroid Specialists
At American Fibroid Centers, our caring team of specialists can determine the contributing factors of your fibroids so you can get the treatment you need. Our affiliated physicians are experts in uterine fibroid embolization, helping you get relief from painful and uncomfortable fibroid symptoms.
What Our Patients Are Saying
Learn more about our patients’ experiences at American Fibroid Centers.
From the Experts
Get to know more about the symptoms, causes, treatment, and care of Uterine Fibroids.
Request a consultation at your nearest American Fibroid affiliated center.