The Advantages of Uterine Fibroid Embolization

Uterine Fibroid Embolization or UFE is covered by almost all of the large South African medical aid funds. To find out if your medical aid scheme covers this procedure, please contact them directly or contact our offices in Cape Town for more information.

The Advantages of Uterine Fibroid Embolization

There are a number of advantages to undergoing the Uterine Fibroid Embolization treatment performed by Dr Gary Sudwarts when compared to a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) or myomectomy (surgical removal of fibroids). These advantages are as follows:

  • There is a much lower major complication rate when the UFE procedure is compared to conventional surgery. In fact, the major complication rate from Uterine Fibroid Embolization is approximately 3 times lower than for a hysterectomy
  • Patients who opt for the UFE procedure undergo significantly shorter hospital stays and the post-op recovery time is markedly reduced
  • The uterus is preserved, which is an important consideration for many women

The Disadvantages of Uterine Fibroid Embolization

As with all medical procedures there are a few risks that a patient must be aware of before deciding to undergo the Uterine Fibroid Embolization. These UFE risks are as follows:

  • On the rare occasion, the Uterine Fibroids do not shrink sufficiently. In some cases, this can lead to the symptoms and the fibroids returning. If this occurs, the embolization treatment can be repeated or a medical or surgical option can be chosen
  • Some patients will experience a low-grade fever just after the Uterine Fibroid Embolization has been performed. This is a is a normal response and is not due to infection
  • Rarely, as can happen after any surgery, an infection can occur If this happens it would be treated with antibiotics
  • Occasionally menopause can occur after undergoing the UFE procedure. However, this occurs mostly in women over the age of 45 years. Please note that the risk of the onset of early menopause after UFE is no higher than in women who have undergone surgery

International Recognition and Assessment of Uterine Fibroid Embolization

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists have declared UFE to be a “safe and effective” treatment for Uterine Fibroids.  Because of this more than 30OOO women have this procedure in the US every year There is also growing international support for UFE, including the fact that:

  • It is a recommended treatment the United K kingdom’s National Health System (NHS).
  • The National Institute for Clinical Excellence in the UK (NICE) has dec lared that Uterine Fibroid Embolization should be discussed as a treatment option with women who have symptomatic fibroids
  • UFE has been evaluated and approved by joint college committees of Radiologists and Gynaecologists in both the us and use