Comparing UFE and Myomectomy: Which Fibroid Treatment Is Right for You?

Uterine fibroid treatment has options, but how do you know which is right for you? Read on as we compare two common treatments: uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) and myomectomy.

If you’re diagnosed with uterine fibroids and tired of dealing with symptoms like heavy periods and pelvic pain, you may be exploring your treatment options.

Two common procedures are uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) and myomectomy. Both address fibroids, but the right choice and decision are most often lost in translation.

Worry no more. Read on as Dr. Nordine Gaugau and the team at Image Guided Surgery Center in Clinton, Maryland, discuss which treatment might be best for you.

All about UFE

UFE is a minimally invasive, nonsurgical procedure that blocks the blood supply to fibroids, causing them to shrink.

During your procedure, Dr. Gaugau inserts a small catheter into an artery near your hip. Under imaging guidance, he inserts medical beads through the catheter and into the blood vessels that feed your fibroid. The beads block the blood flow to your fibroid.

UFE requires no cutting or large incisions.

Who’s it for?

UFE is ideal for all cases of fibroids as it is steadily replacing more invasive options like hysterectomy and myomectomy.

UFE is a definitive option for treatment. The only other definitive treatment is uterus removal, also known as a hysterectomy.

With its state of the art technology advances, UFE avoids open surgery and laparoscopy, and treats all types of fibroids.

UFE should always be the first treatment option to consider before talking about hysterectomy or myomectomy for uterine fibroids and adenomyosis.

A published review of medical literature found that UFE can help improve the fertility of women struggling to conceive due to fibroids. About 38% of women were able to conceive post-UFE, although not all of the women in the study were actively trying.

We discuss your symptoms and family planning goals during your in-office consultation.

Benefits of UFE

Reasons to consider UFE include:

• Shorter recovery time (typically 1-2 weeks) than surgical options like myomectomy ● No major incisions
• Reduced risk of scarring from large incisions
• Minimizes fibroid-related symptoms like heavy bleeding and pelvic pain ● You retain your uterus

UFE can restore your quality of life once symptoms start to dissipate.

UFE embolization has the lowest risk profile of all procedures. It is very safe.

All about myomectomy

Myomectomy is a traditional surgical procedure. During a myomectomy, the visible fibroids on the surface of the uterus are removed.

Myomectomy however, cannot remove all fibroids and the rate of recurrence is very high. In addition to the risks of open surgery, patients may develop adenomyosis in the aftermath of myomectomy. Moreover, there is risk that a myomectomy may be converted to hysterectomy during surgery if complications arise.

The recovery time for myomectomy and hysterectomy is 6-8 weeks.

Who’s it for?

Myomectomy can be considered for all size fibroids but is most often not a good choice when there are multiple fibroids.

Myomectomy is not a definitive option by itself but can be strategically combined with the UFE embolization for better results and increased chance at fertility and conceiving.

Benefits of myomectomy

Myomectomy is your next step if UFE embolization is not available. Otherwise, myomectomy is especially useful when combined with UFE embolization for patients with large fibroids and who still desire future pregnancies.

When choosing between these options, consider your goals, medical history, and our team’s recommendations.

As a rule of thumb, consider UFE embolization as the first option. A combination of UFE and myomectomy may be recommended as needed, or myomectomy alone in certain circumstances.

When you meet Dr. Gaugau, take advantage of your consultation and ask all questions you may have in mind. We know this process very well and understand and care about your journey to receiving the care you need.

Tolearnmore,call 240-244-2302 to schedule an appointment. You can also use our online messaging system to contact us.