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About
the Procedure
Prior to undergoing UFE, a consultation will be held with
the physician. During this visit, which will include a medical
history and physical
examination, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or ultrasound
test may be performed. If it is determined that UFE is the
appropriate procedure,
an appointment will be scheduled.
During the procedure, you will be given pain medication
and an intravenous sedative. Then a small catheter, or tube,
will be inserted through an artery near your groin, which
will allow small plastic particles to be passed through
to block the flow of blood to the fibroid.
After the UFE is complete, you will rest for several hours,
and then will be sent home later that day or after an overnight
admission with the necessary medications. While some patients
experience symptoms of pain, fever, nausea and lethargy
for a number of days following the procedure, some may experience
some or no symptoms. These side effects are almost always
related to the destruction of the fibroids, and are not
due to infection or complications.
Complications from UFE are rare, and most patients resume
normal activities, including work, in as little as three
days.
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