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Uterine Fibroid Embolization vs. Myomectomy

What Are the Causes of Uterine Fibroids

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
Request A Consultation

Request a consultation at your nearest American Fibroid affiliated center.

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.

Woman Dr with Patient
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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.

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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.

Our Fibroid Centers in NY & NJ

American Fibroid Centers has outpatient centers in New York and New Jersey that provide UFE to help shrink your fibroids. Visit your closest location to get specialized uterine fibroid treatment near you.

Brooklyn, NY
71, Carroll Street, New York, 11231
(833) 833-3973
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Queens, NY
28-18, 31st Street, New York, 11102
(833) 833-3973
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Fishkill, NY
60, Merritt Boulevard, Fishkill, New York, 12524
(833) 833-3973
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Harlem, NY
505, East 116th Street, New York, New York, 10029
(833) 833-3973
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West Orange, NJ
347, Mount Pleasant Avenue, West Orange, New Jersey, 07052
(833) 833-3973
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What Our Patients Are Saying

Learn more about our patients’ experiences at American Fibroid Centers.

You really need to identify who you are when texting.
Lt P
Lt P
17:01 21 Jun 23
Very professional and informative
Kieran McDonald
Kieran McDonald
21:48 12 Jun 23
Dr. Abadir and his staff are wonderful.
debdefran
debdefran
21:28 03 May 23
Wonderful staff very kind very thorough no waiting♥️. I’ve never been to a doctors office and treated with so much respect.. I’m looking forward to my next appointment 😇
Denise Sciarra
Denise Sciarra
16:16 17 Mar 23
The staff could not have been friendlier! I was treated so well and my procedure was a huge success!
Darcy Sala
Darcy Sala
14:44 28 Feb 23
Very friendly and hard working people. Excellent doctor and team!!!Thanks for being so helpful and encouraging!
finda jackson
finda jackson
13:37 03 Feb 23
Great experience very through staff are extremely helpful and friendly no wait time I highly recommend.
william cardoza
william cardoza
15:05 12 Sep 22
A doctor who listens, smart and personable, I liked him.
sherry svec
sherry svec
21:38 16 May 22
Went there for the first time didn’t have to fill out paperwork which constantly asked the same question. Nurses were friendly didn’t have to come back a second time to have test done did it rite then, doctor explain everything set up appointment to have procedure done and I’m very confident in the doctor
GARY DINI
GARY DINI
12:23 25 Jan 22
Excellent service. Dr. Abadir and staff were attentive and thoughtful. All communication regarding my visit were clear and concise and they took the time to listen and address all of my questions. Great visit!
dennis bernstein
dennis bernstein
14:50 21 Jan 22
I thank you very much you took good care I feel great I am very happy with you and I will be back .
Maleta Ford
Maleta Ford
14:24 02 Sep 21
Super friendly and communicative. Efficient staff in the office. A unique experience for a doctors office. Dr Abadir was concise and effective in his exam and explanations
William Silsdorf
William Silsdorf
19:56 07 Jun 21
I found the staff Extremely cordial and professional. Dr. Abidir took his time and explained what procedures needed to be doneAnd why he recommended them to establish a diagnosis.Dr. Abidir was reassuring and listened to and answered all of my questions.So far I am very pleased with the endo vascularProgram here.Clare Garvey
Clare Garvey
Clare Garvey
20:39 17 May 21
Pleased with staff and doctor is very compassionate
Jose Quinones
Jose Quinones
23:57 15 Mar 21
Thank you to you and your great staff.Bill Baratta
Rita Baratta
Rita Baratta
15:07 26 Jan 21
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From the Experts

Get to know more about the symptoms, causes, treatment, and care of Uterine Fibroids.

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Request A Consultation

Request a consultation at your nearest American Fibroid affiliated center.