Myomectomy vs. Uterine Fibroid Embolization
If you have uterine fibroids, there are a range of fibroid treatments available to eliminate painful and inconvenient symptoms. If your symptoms are mild, it is possible to manage them with medications like hormonal birth control or over-the-counter pain relievers. However, it is time to look into treatment when fibroid symptoms impact your career, social life, intimate relationships, or self-esteem.
One option is a myomectomy, which surgically removes fibroids. Another non-surgical treatment is uterine fibroid embolization (UFE), which shrinks existing fibroids while leaving the uterus intact.
While discussing the advantages and disadvantages of UFE and myomectomy, remember that finding the best treatment for you begins with consulting a fibroid specialist. Schedule your consultation today to receive a fibroid diagnosis and determine the most suitable treatment.
What is the Difference Between UFE and Myomectomy?
A myomectomy is a surgical alternative to a hysterectomy, as it focuses on preserving the uterus versus removing it entirely. Myomectomies are more appropriate for women:
- Experiencing severe fibroid symptoms that impact daily life
- Whose fibroids impact fertility
- Wanting to become pregnant in the future
There are three types of myomectomy surgeries: abdominal, laparoscopic, and hysteroscopic. The size, location, and number of fibroids determine the most appropriate method.
| Uterine Fibroid Embolization | Abdominal Myomectomy | Laparoscopic Myomectomy | Hysteroscopic Myomectomy |
| Uses only light sedation and a local anesthetic | Requires general anesthesia | Requires general anesthesia | Uses general or local anesthesia |
| Can be performed in a clinical setting | Is performed in a hospital | Is performed in a hospital | Is performed in a hospital |
| Involves one tiny incision with no stitches or scarring | An incision is made in the lower abdomen and uterus, usually horizontal, three to four inches long, and just above the pubic bone | Involves four incisions of about ½ inch each into the lower abdomen | Surgeon inserts a thin scope through your vagina and cervix into your uterus |
| Typically used for treating intramural and subserosal fibroids | Most appropriate for fibroids located within your uterine wall, outside of your uterus, or that are very large | Most appropriate for fibroids on the outside of your uterus | Most appropriate for small fibroids on the inside of your uterus |
| Many women have successful pregnancies afterward | Increased risk of fertility complications from infection or scarring | Increased risk of fertility complications from infection or scarring | Increased risk of fertility complications from infection or scarring |
| A short observation period is needed before sending you home the same day | Most women remain in the hospital for up to three days afterward | Most women remain in the hospital for one night | Most women go home the same day |
UFE vs Myomectomy: The Procedure
The significant difference between a myomectomy vs. uterine fibroid embolization is that myomectomies are more invasive than UFE. This level of invasiveness varies depending on the type of myomectomy:
- Abdominal: Categorized as a major medical surgery due to the laparotomy or large surgical incision cut made to access the uterus.
- Laparoscopic: Involves inserting a laparoscope and other small instruments into the uterus to remove the fibroids. This myomectomy procedure can be performed with a robotic arm.
- Hysteroscopic: The surgeon inserts a thin scope through the vagina and cervix into the uterus, then uses a wire loop to shave off and remove the fibroid(s).
During uterine fibroid embolization, an interventional radiologist will use ultrasound guidance to insert a tiny catheter into the main uterine artery. Next, they inject embolic materials to stop blood flow and nutrients to the fibroid(s). Over time, the treated fibroid shrinks, and the fibroid symptoms will reduce or disappear.
LEARN MORE ABOUT UFE TREATMENT
UFE vs Myomectomy: Recovery Time
Treating uterine fibroids using a myomectomy usually involves a longer recovery period compared to UFE. However, recovery time can differ for everyone, depending on the type of myomectomy procedure. Some women experience very little pain and quickly return to their daily activities. Others need to take prescription pain relievers, limit their activities, and get plenty of rest for several weeks afterward.
The total length of recovery depends, in part, on which type of myomectomy is performed.
- Abdominal myomectomy: Four to six weeks
- Laparoscopic myomectomy: Two to four weeks
- Hysteroscopic myomectomy: Three to five days
As with myomectomy, uterine fibroid embolization recovery varies from woman to woman. However, since UFE is generally less invasive than myomectomy, any pain experienced during post-procedure can be managed with over-the-counter pain medications.
Fibroid doctors may advise you to avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for the first few weeks after UFE treatment. However, most women return to normal activities within one to two weeks. If you have any concerns about the recovery process, don’t hesitate to contact a fibroid specialist at USA Fibroid Centers.
Talk to a Fibroid Specialist Now
Is UFE or a Myomectomy Better for Fibroids?
Consulting a fibroid specialist is necessary when choosing the best procedure for treating fibroids. The decision between uterine fibroid embolization or a myomectomy depends on the size, location, and number of fibroids.
For example, if you have multiple fibroids, your doctor may decide that surgically removing all of them will weaken the walls of your uterus or cause excessive bleeding. They may also determine that not all of the uterine fibroids can be removed through myomectomy. In this case, a less invasive procedure like uterine fibroid embolization may be preferable to treat multiple fibroids effectively.
The Advantages and Disadvantages of Myomectomy vs. Uterine Fibroid Embolization
Most of the time, when it comes to fibroid surgery vs. embolization, certain factors will influence which procedure is best for you. However, if you have a choice between a myomectomy vs. uterine fibroid embolization, some potential risks involved with myomectomy to consider include:
- Increased chance of hysterectomy
- Excessive blood loss
- Development of blood clots
- Pregnancy or childbirth complications
- Infection
- Stitches and scarring
- Does not prevent fibroids from returning
- Adverse reaction to general anesthesia
- A lengthy hospital stay
- 25% of women show recurrence after a Myomectomy,¹ while evidence indicates only 5% of cases treated with UFE will need to be repeated²
Another issue, although rare, is if fibroids are mistaken for cancerous tumors. When cancerous tumors are cut, there may be an increased risk of cancer spreading throughout the body.
UFE, on the other hand, offers several benefits over myomectomy. Some of these include:
- The uterus is left intact
- Less risk of excessive blood loss, blood clots, and infection
- Less pain
- No stitches or scarring
- Minimally-invasive technique
- Uses only light sedation and local anesthesia
- No hospital stay
- You can go home the same day
There is no absolute guarantee that fibroids will not return, but fibroid regrowth is unlikely after undergoing UFE and is uncommon
SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION TO SEE IF UFE IS RIGHT FOR YOU
UFE Success Stories
Our patients at USA Fibroid Centers appreciate the numerous ways uterine fibroid embolization benefits their lives. They benefited not only from the physical improvements but from the overall positive impact on their mental and emotional health.
After visiting our Jerome, New York location, Rebecca says,
“….[USA Fibroid Centers] non-surgical fibroid treatments are groundbreaking. I feel like a new person after my treatment.”
Another one of our UFE patients, Michelle, who visited our Decatur, Georgia clinic, states,
“….I had UFE two months ago… and so far, so good. I don’t have long, heavy periods anymore.”
Meanwhile, Yvonne says that following her visit to our Pennsylvania clinic,
“….My quality of life is so much better now after my procedure. I now have 0 symptoms, my mood has improved, and even my heavy bleeding is gone now, too.”
Read more about what our patients say about how UFE positively changed their lives.
Contact USA Fibroid Centers
When comparing UFE vs. myomectomy, UFE is a quick and relatively straightforward procedure. The process starts with a consultation, during which our fibroid specialists use advanced imaging technology to diagnose and discuss treatment options.
The initial consultation provides more information about UFE, but if you have further questions about fibroid surgery vs. embolization, we are available to help. Your first step is to schedule an appointment with one of our experts at one of our nationwide locations.
Sources
- “Uterine Fibroids: Learn More – Is Fibroid Surgery a Good Idea?,” InformedHealth.org., June 10, 2021.
- Hilal Aktürk et al., “Comparison of Recurrence and Quality of Life between Myoma Embolization and Myomectomy,” Cureus, June 13, 2023.