Uterine Fibroid Embolisation (UFE)

Uterine fibroid embolisation (UFE) is a specialty service offered by the Radiology Department at the Princess Grace Hospital. Performed by an interventional radiologist, this minimally invasive procedure is a quick, safe and effective treatment for fibroid tumours.

Fibroid tumours are benign (non-cancerous) growths that develop in the wall of the uterus. They occur in 30-70% of women and are particularly common in Afro-Caribbean women. The tumours are sensitive to growth hormone, progesterone and oestrogen.

Some fibroids, however, can cause heavy periods which can lead to anaemia and debilitation. Or if the fibroids grow large they can lead to 'compression syndrome' in which adjacent organs may be compressed, such as the bladder, leading to frequency of urination, and the bowel, causing constipation and bloating.

Fibroids may press on nerves causing backache and sciatica and be cosmetically unsightly by causing bulging of the abdomen. The traditional treatment for fibroids was a hysterectomy, however this is no longer the case and uterine fibroid embolisation (UFE) is now one of the standard non-surgical treatments for symptomatic fibroids.

The UFE team at the Princess Grace Hospital are experts in their field. Each member of the team has extensive experience in embolisation techniques and all are major contributors to the UK Fibroid Registry.