Millions of women experience disruptive symptoms from uterine fibroids, including heavy bleeding, pain, fatigue, and bloating. Early intervention is key to preventing symptom progression. Two minimally invasive, non-surgical treatment options are uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) and the Sonata™ procedure. Let’s compare these two approaches to help you understand which might be right for you.
What is UFE?
Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) is a minimally invasive procedure that shrinks fibroids by blocking their blood supply.
Using X-ray guidance, a thin catheter is inserted into the uterine arteries, and tiny particles are injected to block blood flow. This causes the fibroids to shrink, alleviating symptoms like heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, and bladder/bowel issues.
UFE can treat multiple fibroids of varying sizes in a single procedure. The procedure typically takes about 30 minutes, with most patients returning to normal activities within a week or two.
What is Sonata™?
Fibroid ablation is the process of using heat energy to destroy the fibroid tissue, causing it to shrink. Sonata™ fibroid treatment is a minimally invasive form of fibroid ablation that uses radiofrequency energy to destroy fibroid tissue.
A small device is inserted into the uterus, allowing direct visualization of the fibroid. Radiofrequency energy is then delivered, shrinking the fibroid. The procedure usually takes less than an hour, with most women returning to normal activities within a few days.
However, Sonata™ radiofrequency ablation is generally best suited for smaller fibroids (1-3) located closer to the uterine cavity or surface. It may not be effective for larger or intramural fibroids (deep within the uterine wall).
A small portion of fibroid tissue (“rim of fibroid”) may be intentionally left untreated to minimize complications, which could lead to some regrowth or persistent symptoms. Side effects can include bleeding, spotting, cramping, inflammation, and discharge.
Sonata™ Risks
During the Sonata™ procedure, each fibroid is treated individually, making it difficult for women who have more than a few growths. It is more likely recommended for smaller fibroids rather than large ones.
Risks associated with the Sonata™ treatment for fibroids, based on information available from medical resources and the manufacturer include:
- Bleeding or spotting: This is common and usually resolves within a few days.
- Cramping or abdominal discomfort: Mild to moderate cramping that can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication.
- Vaginal discharge: somewhat normal and should decrease over time.
- Post-ablation inflammatory symptoms: Can include pain, fever, and discomfort.
Less Common but More Serious Risks:
- Infection: A small risk of infection in the uterus or surrounding tissues.
- Injury to nearby organs: Minimal risk of damage to the bowel, bladder, or other pelvic organs during the procedure.
- Uterine perforation: Rare but serious complication where the device punctures the uterine wall.
- Hemorrhage (excessive bleeding): This can occur during or after the procedure.
- Complications related to anesthesia: If anesthesia is used, there are inherent risks associated with it.
- Expulsion of treated fibroid tissue: In rare cases, the treated fibroid tissue may be expelled from the uterus, which can cause bleeding and cramping.
- Risk to future pregnancies: The long-term impact of Sonata™ on future pregnancies is not fully established.
| UFE | Sonata™ | |
| Medical procedure type | Minimally invasive but nonsurgical | Minimally invasive but nonsurgical |
| How Fibroids Die | Blood flow is blocked, causing them to shrink and die | Radiofrequency energy (heat) destroys the fibroid tissue. |
| Who performs the procedure | An Interventional Radiologist | An OB/GYN |
| Where performed | Outpatient center or office, like USA Fibroid Centers. | Outpatient center or hospital |
| Procedure time | At USA Fibroid Centers, the procedure takes about 30-45 minutes. | The procedure takes less than an hour |
| Covered by insurance | Yes, UFE is covered by most insurance companies, including Medicare & Medicaid | Coverage varies by provider and plan. |
| Recovery time | 5-7 days | 10-14 days |
| Can this procedure treat adenomyosis? | Yes | No |
| Treats multiple fibroids? | Yes, it can treat multiple small and large fibroids. | Not easily, best utilized for 1-3 small fibroids |
| Impact on future fertility | The safety and effectiveness of the Sonata™ Treatment in women who wish to get pregnant has not been determined. | Yes; births are typically full-term and vaginal. |
UFE vs. Sonata™—Key Differences
Both UFE and Sonata™ offer long-term relief from fibroid symptoms. UFE, performed since the 1990s, has a longer track record of effectively shrinking fibroids. The Sonata™ fibroid treatment (FDA-cleared in 2018) shows promise for smaller fibroids, though long-term data is still being gathered.
Recovery Time UFE vs. Sonata™
Recovery time can vary between UFE and Sonata™ treatment for fibroids. UFE typically allows for a quicker recovery, often within five to seven days. Sonata™ procedure may require a slightly longer recovery period, generally ranging from 10-14 days.
Ultimately, the best treatment option for you will depend on several factors, including the size and location of your fibroids, your overall health, and your personal preferences. It’s important to discuss the potential benefits and risks of each procedure with a fibroid specialist to determine the best treatment for your unique condition.
Cost of the Sonata™ Procedure for Fibroids vs. UFE
While medical costs vary depending on location and the facility, the Sonata™ procedure often has a different cost structure compared to UFE. Since the Sonata™ treatment for fibroids is often performed in a hospital or outpatient surgical center and may involve anesthesia, it can potentially incur higher facility and anesthesia fees. While many health insurance plans may cover the Sonata™ procedure, coverage can vary significantly depending on the specific plan and provider. It’s important to confirm coverage details with your insurance company before proceeding.
UFE, on the other hand, is generally covered by most insurance providers for women with symptomatic fibroids, including Medicare and Medicaid. UFE is often more affordable because it’s typically performed as an outpatient procedure in a specialized center or office setting, requiring less overhead and often avoiding the need for general anesthesia.
If you have concerns about your health insurance coverage for either procedure, we recommend contacting your insurance provider directly to confirm your plan’s details.
Talk to a Fibroid Specialist at USA Fibroid Centers Today
USA Fibroid Centers specializes in uterine fibroid embolization (UFE), a well-established and generally considered the gold standard in non-surgical fibroid treatment. UFE has a long track record of safety and effectiveness, and we are dedicated to providing accessible and affordable care.
To learn more about whether UFE is the right option for you, schedule an initial consultation online or call 855.615.2555.
Our skilled interventional radiologists have extensive experience treating women with uterine fibroids and are here to help you regain control of your life.