A Patient’s Guide to Uterine Fibroid Embolization: Non-Surgical Fibroid Management at IR Facilities with Dr. Sandeep Sharma

 Uterine fibroids are a common condition that many women experience at some point in their lives. While they are non-cancerous, fibroids can cause a range of symptoms that significantly impact a woman’s quality of life, including heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, and fertility issues. Historically, surgical treatments like hysterectomy or myomectomy were the primary options for managing fibroids. However, Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) has emerged as a game-changing, non-surgical alternative.

At IR Facilities, under the expert leadership of Dr. Sandeep Sharma, UFE is offered as a safe, effective, and minimally invasive solution for women seeking relief from fibroid-related symptoms. As the largest interventional radiology (IR) and neurointerventional radiology (NIR) team in the region, Dr. Sharma and his team provide comprehensive care with state-of-the-art techniques, ensuring patients receive the best possible outcomes.

In this patient guide, we will explore everything you need to know about Uterine Fibroid Embolization, from understanding fibroids to the procedure itself and the benefits of choosing UFE at IR Facilities.

What are Uterine Fibroids?

Uterine fibroids, also known as leiomyomas or myomas, are benign (non-cancerous) growths that develop in the muscular wall of the uterus. Fibroids vary in size and number, and while many women with fibroids experience no symptoms, others may suffer from a variety of issues, including:

Heavy menstrual bleeding that can lead to anemia

Pelvic pain or pressure due to the size or location of the fibroids

Frequent urination if the fibroid presses on the bladder

Difficulty with bowel movements or bloating

Pain during intercourse

Complications with fertility or pregnancy

Fibroids are most commonly diagnosed in women between the ages of 30 and 50, and they can affect a woman’s reproductive health, general well-being, and overall quality of life.

Traditional Surgical Treatments for Fibroids

In the past, surgical treatments were the primary way to manage fibroids, especially for women experiencing severe symptoms. The most common surgical options include:

Hysterectomy: Complete removal of the uterus, which permanently eliminates fibroids but also ends a woman’s ability to conceive.

Myomectomy: Surgical removal of fibroids while preserving the uterus. This is an option for women who wish to maintain their fertility, but it is more invasive and can require longer recovery times.rus, which permanently eliminates fibroids but also ends a woman’s ability to conceive.

While these surgeries can be effective, they come with significant risks and recovery times. For many women, the thought of major surgery or losing their fertility can be overwhelming.

What is Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE)?

Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) is a minimally invasive, non-surgical treatment that effectively shrinks fibroids and alleviates symptoms without the need for a hysterectomy or major surgery. UFE is performed by an interventional radiologist, like Dr. Sandeep Sharma, who specializes in using image-guided techniques to treat fibroids from inside the body.

How UFE Works:

UFE targets the blood supply to the fibroids. During the procedure, tiny particles are injected into the arteries that supply blood to the fibroids. These particles block the blood flow, causing the fibroids to shrink over time and reducing the symptoms caused by the fibroids.

Since the procedure is performed under local anesthesia with mild sedation, patients are awake but comfortable throughout the process. There is no need for general anesthesia, and the recovery is significantly faster than with traditional surgeries.

The UFE Procedure at IR Facilities

At IR Facilities, Dr. Sandeep Sharma and his highly experienced team use the latest technology to perform UFE safely and effectively. Here’s what patients can expect during the UFE procedure:

Initial Consultation:

During your initial consultation, the team at IR Facilities will review your medical history and symptoms. Diagnostic imaging, such as ultrasound or MRI, will be used to evaluate the size, number, and location of your fibroids. Based on this assessment, Dr. Sharma will determine if UFE is the right treatment for you.

The Procedure:

Local Anesthesia: UFE is performed under local anesthesia, so you will be awake but comfortable during the procedure. Mild sedation is provided to help you relax.

Catheter Insertion: A small incision is made in the groin or wrist, through which a catheter (a thin tube) is inserted into the artery that supplies blood to the uterus. The procedure is performed using real-time imaging (fluoroscopy) to guide the catheter to the uterine arteries.

Embolization: Once the catheter is in place, tiny particles are injected into the artery to block the blood supply to the fibroids. This causes the fibroids to shrink over time, relieving symptoms such as heavy bleeding and pelvic pressure.

Short Procedure Time: The entire procedure typically takes about 60–90 minutes, and most patients are discharged the same day.

Post-Procedure Recovery:

After the procedure, patients typically spend a few hours in recovery before going home. Some mild discomfort, cramping, or nausea may be experienced for a few days, but these symptoms are usually managed with over-the-counter pain medication.

Most patients can return to their normal activities within 1–2 weeks, which is a much shorter recovery time compared to surgical treatments.

Benefits of UFE at IR Facilities

Choosing UFE at IR Facilities offers numerous advantages for women seeking a non-surgical solution to fibroid-related symptoms:

1. Minimally Invasive: UFE is performed through a small puncture, rather than large incisions, meaning less pain, no scarring, and a faster recovery.

2. Preserves the Uterus: UFE does not involve removing the uterus, making it a fertility-preserving option for women who wish to maintain their ability to conceive. This is especially important for women who are not ready to consider a hysterectomy or want to avoid major surgery.

3. High Success Rate: UFE is highly effective, with up to 90% of women experiencing significant symptom relief, including reduced heavy bleeding, improved menstrual cycles, and decreased pelvic pain.

4. Outpatient Procedure: UFE is typically performed as an outpatient procedure at IR Facilities. Most patients go home the same day and resume normal activities within a short time.

5. Short Recovery Time: Compared to traditional surgeries, UFE has a much shorter recovery period. Most women are able to return to work and their daily routines within 1–2 weeks, whereas recovery from a hysterectomy can take 6–8 weeks.

6. No General Anesthesia: UFE avoids the risks associated with general anesthesia, which can be particularly beneficial for patients who may not be ideal candidates for major surgery due to underlying health conditions.

7. Expert Care at IR Facilities: At IR Facilities, you’re in the hands of one of the region’s largest and most experienced teams of interventional radiologists, led by Dr. Sandeep Sharma. Their expertise in performing UFE ensures the highest standards of care and the best possible outcomes for patients.

Who is a Candidate for UFE?

UFE is a great option for women who:

Have symptomatic fibroids, such as heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, or pressure.

Want to avoid surgery and preserve their uterus.

Are not planning an immediate pregnancy but want to keep the option of fertility in the future.

Are seeking a minimally invasive solution with a shorter recovery time.

Why Choose IR Facilities for UFE?

IR Facilities under Dr. Sandeep Sharma is a leading center for advanced, minimally invasive treatments in interventional radiology. Here’s why patients choose IR Facilities for UFE:

Expertise: Dr. Sandeep Sharma and his team are highly experienced in performing UFE and are recognized for their expertise in interventional radiology.

Comprehensive Care: From diagnosis to post-procedure care, the team provides personalized, compassionate care tailored to each patient’s unique needs.

State-of-the-Art Technology: IR Facilities is equipped with the latest technology, ensuring precise and effective treatment for every patient.

Multidisciplinary Approach: The team at IR Facilities works closely with gynecologists and other specialists to ensure that every aspect of your health is addressed during the treatment process.

Conclusion: Take Control of Your Health with UFE at IR Facilities.

Uterine Fibroid Embolization is a safe, effective, and non-surgical alternative to traditional fibroid treatments, offering women relief from fibroid symptoms without the need for major surgery. At IR Facilities, under the guidance of Dr. Sandeep Sharma, women can benefit from expert care, advanced technology, and minimally invasive solutions that fit their lifestyle and health goals.

If you’re struggling with fibroids and want to explore your options, schedule a consultation with the team at IR Facilities today. Take the first step toward a healthier, symptom-free life with UFE!