Acessa™ and uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) are minimally invasive, uterus-preserving procedures for treating symptomatic uterine fibroids.
The primary difference between Acessa™ vs. UFE is how they treat fibroids. The Acessa™ procedure uses radiofrequency ablation to treat individual fibroids, while UFE blocks the fibroids’ blood supply so they shrink over time.
Both options help patients avoid invasive procedures such as a hysterectomy. However, their procedural approach, candidacy, recovery, benefits, and potential risks differ. Understanding these differences makes it easier to stay informed when consulting a fibroid specialist about treatment options.
What Is the Acessa™ Procedure?
The Acessa™ procedure is a laparoscopic treatment that uses radiofrequency ablation for fibroids. A gynecological surgeon applies controlled radiofrequency energy to the fibroid tissue, causing it to shrink gradually.
How the Acessa™ procedure works:
- The surgeon makes two small incisions in the abdominal area and inserts a very small camera called a laparoscope.
- Next, they use an ultrasound to find the fibroids.
- Then, they guide a radiofrequency ablation handpiece into the targeted fibroids
- The handpiece delivers controlled heat, treating the targeted fibroid tissue
The Acessa™ process may be repeated to treat multiple targeted fibroids. Unlike myomectomy, the treated fibroids are not surgically removed but remain in the uterus and gradually shrink.
What Happens to Fibroids After Acessa™?
After Acessa™, the treated fibroids remain in the uterus and gradually shrink over time. Radiofrequency energy causes controlled destruction of the targeted fibroid tissue, reducing fibroid volume and related symptoms.
Because it is a gradual process, Acessa™-treated fibroids do not disappear immediately. Symptom improvement also varies by patient and may continue for months after the procedure.
What Is Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE)?
Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) is a minimally invasive procedure performed by an interventional radiologist. It treats fibroids by reducing the blood flow they need to survive. The procedure is short and does not involve anesthesia or scarring.
How the UFE procedure works:
- The interventional radiologist locates the fibroids and the arteries supplying them with blood.
- They access an artery through a small puncture in the upper thigh or wrist and insert a thin catheter.
- Microparticles are injected into the small arteries supplying oxygenated blood to the fibroid.
- These microparticles block the blood flow to the fibroid, causing it to shrink and die.
Unlike laparoscopic procedures, UFE does not require abdominal incisions and can address multiple fibroids in a single treatment.
What Happens to Fibroids After UFE?
After UFE, fibroids lose the blood supply that supports their growth, so they gradually shrink. As they shrink, symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pressure, bloating, or pain may improve.
Uterine Fibroid Embolization vs. Radiofrequency Ablation
When comparing uterine fibroid embolization vs. radiofrequency ablation, one of the most important differences is how fibroids are targeted. Radiofrequency ablation with Acessa™ requires laparoscopic access so individual fibroids can be located and treated with heat. UFE takes a different approach by using a catheter to deliver embolic material to the uterine arteries that supply blood to fibroids.
This distinction can matter when determining which treatment may be appropriate. The number, size, and location of your fibroids, along with your symptoms, medical history, and treatment goals, can all influence your options. An individualized evaluation and diagnostic imaging can help a specialist determine whether to consider UFE or another treatment.
Acessa™ Recovery vs. UFE Recovery
Recovery after Acessa™ and UFE varies by individual, but the procedures involve different approaches that can affect the recovery experience. Acessa™ requires laparoscopic abdominal access, so patients may experience soreness, fatigue, or discomfort around the incision sites. Many women can return to light activities within four to five days, although some may require a week or more to recover and return to work.
UFE does not require laparoscopic abdominal incisions. Patients may experience pelvic cramping, fatigue, nausea, or other temporary symptoms during the initial recovery period. Medication and post-procedure instructions can help manage discomfort, and many patients return to their usual activities within approximately one to two weeks.
Recovery after either procedure depends on individual health, the characteristics of the fibroids, and other factors. Follow-up care allows your physician or fibroid specialist to monitor recovery and symptom improvement.
Key Differences Between Acessa™ and UFE
The major differences between Acessa™ vs. UFE are how physicians access and treat fibroids, since Acessa™ requires laparoscopic access and radiofrequency energy. In contrast, UFE uses a catheter to reduce blood flow to the fibroids.
Below is a comparison table showcasing the differences between the Acessa™ treatment and UFE:
| Factor | Acessa™ | UFE |
| Treatment approach | Radiofrequency ablation | Embolization |
| How fibroids are treated | Fibroids are individually targeted with radiofrequency energy | Blood flow supplying fibroids is reduced |
| Surgical incisions | Requires laparoscopic abdominal access | No abdominal surgical incisions |
| Physician specialty | Typically performed by a gynecologic surgeon | Performed by an interventional radiologist |
| Anesthesia | Typically performed under general anesthesia | Local anesthesia with sedation/medication as appropriate; general anesthesia is typically not required |
| Fibroid response | Treated fibroids gradually shrink | Fibroids gradually shrink after losing their blood supply |
| Recovery | Recovery varies; many patients resume normal activities within several days | Many patients resume normal activities within about one to two weeks |
| Uterus preserved | Yes | Yes |
Exact procedural details, recovery, outcomes, and candidacy can vary, so it’s best to see a specialist before pursuing treatment.
Incisions and Procedure Approach
Acessa™ is sometimes described as Acessa™ surgery because it requires laparoscopic access to the uterus. It is not the same as traditional open abdominal surgery, as small abdominal incisions provide enough room to insert the laparoscope, ultrasound device, and treatment instrument.
This form of laparoscopic fibroid surgery also differs from laparoscopic fibroid removal or myomectomy. Acessa™ involves ablating fibroid tissue rather than cutting the fibroid out of the uterus.
With UFE, an interventional radiologist accesses the artery through a small puncture around the wrist or groin and guides a catheter to the uterine arteries.
Fibroid Size and Types That Can Be Treated
Fibroid size, number, type, and location all affect treatment planning. Acessa™ requires physicians to locate and treat fibroids individually, so the number and accessibility of fibroids affect effectiveness.
UFE targets the uterine arteries supplying blood to fibroids, allowing treatment of multiple fibroids in a single procedure.
Neither treatment is appropriate for every patient, but imaging and evaluation by an experienced specialist help determine the best fibroid treatment option.
Benefits and Risks of Acessa™ vs. UFE
Both treatments provide alternatives to more extensive fibroid surgery for eligible patients. Their potential advantages and limitations differ because they treat fibroid tissue differently.
Potential Benefits of Acessa™
- Preserves the uterus
- Provides a minimally invasive alternative to extensive surgery for eligible patients.
- Directly targets fibroid tissue with radiofrequency energy.
- Allows fibroids to shrink without their surgical removal
Potential Benefits of UFE
- Preserves the uterus.
- Avoids abdominal surgical incisions.
- Treats multiple fibroids during one procedure.
- Allows fibroids to shrink without surgical removal.
- Performed as an outpatient procedure when medically appropriate.
- Offers a minimally invasive alternative to hysterectomy or myomectomy for eligible patients.
Potential Risks and Considerations
Like any medical procedure, Acessa™ and UFE have potential risks and limitations.
Acessa™ involves risks associated with laparoscopic surgery, anesthesia, injury to surrounding structures, and complications related to radiofrequency treatment. Not every fibroid may be suitable for laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation.
UFE can cause temporary pelvic pain, cramping, nausea, fatigue, or fever following treatment. Less common complications can include infection or problems related to the embolization procedure.
Patients who are pregnant or hope to become pregnant in the future should discuss the available options with their gynecologist and fibroid specialist.
Acessa™ vs. UFE: Which Fibroid Treatment Is Right for You?
There is no single answer to the Acessa™ vs. UFE debate, as the right treatment depends on:
- Fibroid size
- Number of fibroids
- Fibroid location
- Severity and type of symptoms
- Previous fibroid treatments
- Overall health
- Treatment preferences
- Reproductive goals
Diagnostic imaging with a fibroid specialist can provide important information about the size, location, and number of fibroids to help determine the best treatment for you, along with the opportunity to discuss the benefits and risks of each available procedure.
USA Fibroid Centers focuses on UFE, which is performed by experienced interventional radiologists and does not require abdominal surgical incisions. Rather than assuming UFE is right for every patient, our specialists evaluate your symptoms, medical history, and imaging to determine whether you are a candidate for the procedure.
Explore UFE at USA Fibroid Centers
Our specialists at USA Fibroid Centers focus on minimally invasive UFE to treat symptomatic fibroids. Treatment begins with an evaluation to determine whether UFE is appropriate based on your symptoms, medical history, imaging, and treatment goals.
UFE offers a way to treat fibroids while preserving the uterus and avoiding major abdominal fibroid surgery. Since the procedure is performed through a small catheter rather than abdominal surgical incisions, patients can generally return home the same day.
Learn whether UFE is right for you by scheduling a consultation online or calling 855.615.2555.
Frequently Asked Questions About Acessa™ vs. UFE
How Much Does the Acessa™ Fibroid Procedure Cost?
The cost of Acessa™ varies by medical facility, physician, anesthesia, insurance coverage, and location. Request a cost estimate from your provider to confirm your benefits before treatment.
Can Fibroids Grow Back After Acessa™ or UFE?
Fibroids treated with Acessa™ or uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) typically shrink and are unlikely to regrow. However, these treatments do not prevent new fibroids from developing elsewhere in the uterus. Regular follow-up with a fibroid specialist can help monitor your symptoms and identify any new fibroid growth.
Can You Get Pregnant After Acessa™ or UFE?
Pregnancy may be possible after Acessa™ or UFE because both procedures preserve the uterus. However, preserving the uterus does not guarantee future fertility or pregnancy outcomes. Research on pregnancy after these procedures is still evolving, so patients who hope to become pregnant should discuss their reproductive goals with their gynecologist and fibroid specialist before choosing treatment.
Does Insurance Cover Acessa™ or UFE?
Insurance coverage for Acessa™ and UFE varies by health plan. Some plans cover Acessa™, while many private health plans cover UFE, as do Medicare and Medicaid when applicable. USA Fibroid Centers accepts most major insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid,
Can You Have UFE If You Previously Had Another Fibroid Treatment?
Previous fibroid treatment doesn’t necessarily prevent you from future treatment. Eligibility depends on your current symptoms, remaining or recurrent fibroids, and overall health.