UFE Risks

The risks of not getting the proper treatment for uterine fibroids often is far greater than any risks associated with a specific procedure. And the side effects from a uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) are so minimal that it only makes sense to take advantage of the latest technology when you can. Visit Dr. George Bolotin at the Astra Fibroids Treatment Specialists if you suspect you have fibroids or have already been diagnosed. He’s an expert at UFE, reducing your risks through his expert care. Call him today for an initial consultation

What Is UFE?

UFE is the common acronym used for uterine fibroid embolization, a minimally invasive treatment to remove uterine fibroids. During this endovascular procedure, your fibroid specialist inserts small beads in the artery supplying blood to the uterine growths. With no blood supply, the fibroids shrink and disappear.

Uterine fibroids can drastically alter your quality of life — one reason doctors have been so excited about advancements in technology such as UFE that’s become a popular treatment option. UFE is the safest alternative fibroids treatment when compared to surgical procedures such as a hysterectomy, which involves removing your uterus, or a myomectomy, which can also affect your uterus, putting your fertility at risk.

When you use a fibroids specialist such as Dr. George Bolotin and the team at the Astra Fibroid Treatment Specialists in Brooklyn and Bronx, you improve the outcome of the UFE procedure and minimize any risks.

What Are the UFE Risks?

Every medical procedure has some risks, and this applies to UFE as well. Luckily, with uterine fibroid embolization, these risks are minimal and also mild. With Dr. Bolotin’s expertise and experience, your risks lower even more substantially. Potential UFE risks do include:

• Thrombosis, a blood clot that forms inside the blood vessel
• Puncture site hematoma, a collection of blood outside of a blood vessel, which occurs because of physical injury of the vessel
• Infection, a rare complication of UFE since the procedure is performed in a closed environment in the uterus
• Pseudoaneurysm, an injury to a blood vessel that causes blood to leak and collect in the surrounding tissue
• Arterial dissection
• Scar tissue formation and adhesions
• Radiation exposure, since the use of x-ray technology in UFE does expose you to low levels of radiation, but Dr. Bolotin keeps it to a minimum
• Contrast allergy, because the special dye used to increase visibility in the UFE procedure can lead to allergic reactions in some people with diabetes or kidney disease

You can minimize these risks by using an experienced fibroids specialist. In Brooklyn and Bronx, you can receive specialized fibroids care at the practice of Astra Fibroid Treatment Specialists. The state-of-the-art fibroids center leverages cutting-edge technology to deliver the safest and most effective UFE treatment.

How Do UFE Risks Develop?

To appreciate how UFE risks emerge, first understand how the procedure works. In this medical procedure that removes fibroids, Dr. Bolotin

• Review of your medical and family history
• Assessment of your fibroids through magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or fibroid ultrasound tests
• Review of imaging results to determine the size, location or condition of your uterine growths
• Use of x-ray equipment to identify the artery supplying blood to your fibroids
• A small incision in your groin area to insert a catheter into the artery that supplies the fibroid
• The introduction of embolic agents, in the form of beads, into the artery to block the blood supply
• The death of the fibroids, now with no blood supply
• Lab sample collection of the fibroids after UFE to ensure they aren’t cancerous, which more than 90 percent are not

If your doctor reviews your fibroid symptoms and comes up with a positive fibroid diagnosis, you can have a UFE. The advanced UFE medical technology promises a higher rate of success in treatment of fibroids compared to other procedures.

Is UFE Worth the Risks?

UFE risks mostly relate to vascular access and the use of a contrast agent. When you use the best UFE specialist, the procedure is safer, and you enjoy a wide range of benefits, including:

• Alleviating fibroids symptoms. UFE helps treat severe symptoms such as:
• Pelvic pain
• Pain during sex
• Weight gain
• Severe menstrual cramps
• An enlarged uterus
• Heavy periods
• Bleeding fibroids
• Fertility problems
• Pregnancy complications

• Faster recovery. Compared to a hysterectomy or myomectomy, UFE recovery is faster. You can return to normal activities in no more than two weeks.
• No uterus removal. One of the main UFE benefits is the fact that you can still get pregnant after the procedure. Traditional fibroid surgery involves uterus removal.
• Fewer risks, since there’s no anesthesia required and the fibroids die naturally.
• No scarring, as the incision is done in the fold of your groin and is tiny.

Dr. Bolotin at the Brooklyn and Bronx fibroids center emphasizes the importance of getting fibroids diagnosed and removed early. Contact the fibroids specialists at the Astra Fibroid Treatment Specialists for an initial consultation.