Uterine Fibroid Embolization
Our minimally invasive approach.
Relief from painful uterine fibroids is possible! Uterine fibroid embolization is a minimally invasive alternative to hysterectomy that can have you back on your feet in days.
What is Uterine Fibroid Embolization?
Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE, also known as uterine artery embolization) is an outpatient procedure that our Interventional Radiology team performs to shrink fibroids that have grown on the uterus. Small, painless fibroids are common and need no treatment. For those that cause pelvic pain and other symptoms, UFE is a minimally invasive alternative to hysterectomy.
Who is at risk?
Fibroids are more common among women ages 30 to 40 and African-American women. Heredity and lifestyle choices can also be factors.
What are the symptoms?
Fibroids can cause uterine pressure or pain, heavy or painful menstrual bleeding, severe cramps, abdominal swelling, pain with intercourse, constipation and urinary frequency or urgency.
What are the benefits of UFE?
UFE is a non-surgical alternative to a hysterectomy. It uses only a small incision in the wrist or groin and patients can resume normal activity within a few days.
Doctors who perform UFE
Carilion’s Interventional Radiology team cares for UFE patients in the angiography suites at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital and Carilion New River Valley Medical Center:
Thomas Bishop, MD
Joseph Hughes, MD
Sarah Thomas, MD
John Wessinger, MD
