Endometrial ablation vs. UFE
Most women will have fibroids at some point in their lives. Fibroids range in size, location and severity, and can affect every woman differently.
Typically, uterine fibroids develop during the childbearing years (early 20s and mid-30s). The symptoms include irregular and/or heavy periods, cramping, pelvic pain, lower back pain, urinary frequency, anemia and sometimes the appearance of weight gain due to an enlarged uterus.
Texas Endovascular provides many minimally invasive, low-risk treatment options for uterine fibroids. Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) and endometrial ablation are two highly effective procedures that can help a wide variety of patients. Post-treatment, patients experience less pain and more normal menstrual cycles.
The following is a breakdown of these treatment options that can help you learn more about endometrial ablation vs. UFE.
What is uterine fibroid embolization?
Our team can effectively treat most cases of symptomatic uterine fibroids using uterine fibroid embolization (UFE). The procedure uses a fluoroscopic X-ray device to deliver embolic material that inhibits blood flow to the tumors. The lack of blood shrinks them and ultimately causes them to dissolve.
UFE is a safe and effective process with success rates of about 85%. This specialized treatment can be administered in the groin or wrist arteries.
In most cases, women experience substantial improvements in their symptoms and reductions in the size of their uterine fibroids.
What is endometrial ablation?
Endometrial ablation is a minimally invasive, laparoscopic-guided treatment option for fibroids. It uses heat with targeted energy during an ultrasound to reduce the size of fibroids by as much as 50%.
When comparing endometrial ablation vs. UFE, it’s important to consider what ablation can do. It is a reduction procedure, so its goal is not to remove the fibroid altogether. Instead, it strives to reduce its volume to lower symptom frequency and severity.
What are the differences between endometrial ablation vs. UFE?
There are various ways to treat fibroids. We believe that patient education, an accurate diagnosis and a comprehensive treatment plan are the best ways to select the most favorable treatment option for you.
Both UFE and fibroid ablation are effective minimally invasive procedures that:
- Keep your uterus intact
- Are performed in an outpatient setting
- Require little to no downtime post-procedure
- Can shrink fibroid size
- Allow you to go home after the procedure
- Reduce fibroid pain and associated symptoms
Although there are various similarities between these two procedures, there are also significant differences to consider.
You can explore the differences between endometrial ablation vs. UFE using the table below:
UFE
- Utilizes local anesthesia and light sedation
- Requires one small incision and no stitches
- Can be used to treat all sizes and locations of fibroids
- Can reduce fibroids to approximately 30% of their size over 3 to 12 months
Fibroid Ablation
- Performed under general anesthesia
- Requires two incisions and post-care stitches
- More effective on small fibroids
- Can reduce fibroid size, but does not remove fibroids entirely
Before deciding which treatment option is best, it is crucial to speak with your OBGYN and fibroid specialist to determine the best course of action based on your unique health needs.
Our experts offer the fibroid treatment you need
At Texas Endovascular, we recognize the negative impact fibroids can have on your everyday life and well-being. We also know that treatment is different for everyone, so we will customize your care plan to meet your unique healthcare and wellness needs.
The bottom line? You don’t have to live with debilitating fibroid symptoms or worry about continued fibroid growth. Our specialists offer the full range of options, including non-surgical fibroid treatment. You can take control of your health by understanding the differences between endometrial ablation vs. UFE and opting for specialized care with us. To learn more about whether UFE or ablation is right for you, we encourage you to schedule a consultation at one of our convenient locations today.
