Uterine Fibroid Embolization

Between 20 to 40 percent of women age 35 and older have uterine fibroids – noncancerous tumors that develop in the muscular wall of the uterus. These tumors range in size, from extremely tiny to the size of a cantaloupe, and can cause pain and heavy bleeding for some women.

Uterine fibroid embolization is a minimally invasive option to treat uterine fibroids.

During the procedure, an interventional radiologist makes a small incision – usually less than ¼ inch – in the groin and passes a small tube through the artery. When the tube reaches the uterine artery, the physician slowly releases particles, similar in size to grains of sand, into the arteries that supply blood to the fibroid tumor. These particles block the blood flow to the tumor and cause it to shrink.

Patients are usually home after only one night in the hospital and most are able to return to their normal activities within the week. Close to 90 percent of women who have uterine fibroid embolization experience relief of their symptoms. Shrinking of large fibroids also enables a gynecologist to perform less invasive laparoscopic fibroid removal if needed.

For more information about uterine fibroid embolization at Baltimore Washington Medical Center, please call 410-787-4647.