When you want to treat your fibroids without resorting to removing your uterus — whether for future fertility, personal preference, or both — two procedures are most commonly discussed: myomectomy and uterine fibroid embolization. Both preserve the uterus. Both treat fibroids. But they work through completely different mechanisms, involve different procedures, and have different implications for recovery, recurrence, and future pregnancy.
Understanding the differences between UFE and myomectomy helps you make the decision that best fits your specific situation and goals.
At Seamless Medical Centers, Dr. Zagum Bhatti, Board-Certified Interventional Radiologist, performs UFE for patients across Southeast Texas and the Houston area. Both Houston-area UFE and Port Arthur UFE services are available at the Port Arthur location.
How Each Procedure Works
Myomectomy surgically removes individual fibroids from the uterus. The surgeon cuts out each fibroid and repairs the uterine wall. This can be done through open abdominal surgery, laparoscopically (using small incisions and a camera), or hysteroscopically (through the vagina and cervix, for fibroids inside the uterine cavity). Myomectomy removes the specific fibroids that are causing symptoms.
UFE is a catheter-based procedure that cuts off the blood supply to all fibroids simultaneously. Rather than removing fibroids surgically, embolization causes them to shrink by eliminating their blood supply. Because all fibroids in the uterus are supplied by the same uterine arteries, UFE treats all of them in a single procedure, even those that are too small to detect on imaging or too numerous to surgically remove individually.
The Key Question: Future Fertility
This is the most important distinction in choosing between UFE and myomectomy. Myomectomy is generally considered the preferred fibroid treatment for women who plan future pregnancies, because it directly removes the fibroids while preserving uterine anatomy in a way that has been more extensively studied for pregnancy outcomes. Many women successfully conceive and carry pregnancies after myomectomy.
Pregnancy after UFE is possible, and successful pregnancies have been reported. However, the data on UFE and future fertility is less comprehensive than for myomectomy, and some concerns have been raised about potential effects on the endometrium and ovarian reserve from the embolization. For women who definitely plan future pregnancies, myomectomy is currently the more established recommendation. For women who want to preserve the option of future pregnancy but are not certain about their plans, this is an important conversation to have with both a reproductive endocrinologist and an interventional radiologist.
Surgical vs. Minimally Invasive
Are You a Candidate for UFE?
If you answer "yes" to any of these questions, you may be a candidate for this treatment.
Question 1 of 5
Have you been diagnosed with Uterine Fibroids?
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Myomectomy, in most forms, is a surgical procedure requiring general anesthesia, incisions (even when laparoscopic), an operating room, and recovery measured in three to six weeks depending on the surgical approach. Open myomectomy carries significant recovery demands comparable to other major abdominal surgeries. Adhesion formation — scar tissue that can affect surrounding structures — is a risk with any pelvic surgery.
UFE requires no incisions to the abdomen, no general anesthesia, and no surgical approach to the uterus. Recovery is typically one to two weeks. There is no risk of surgical adhesions because the procedure does not involve opening the abdominal cavity. For women who are managing demanding work or family schedules and cannot accommodate a multi-week surgical recovery, UFE’s recovery profile is a meaningful practical advantage.
Recurrence
Because myomectomy removes specific fibroids, the removed fibroids cannot recur. However, new fibroids can develop in the uterus after myomectomy, and the risk of needing additional treatment for new fibroids over time is meaningful — particularly in younger women. The recurrence rate for fibroids after myomectomy is significantly higher than after hysterectomy, though it is lower than after UFE.
After UFE, the treated fibroids shrink and do not regrow. However, as with myomectomy, new fibroids can develop in the untreated uterus over time. The overall retreatment rate after UFE is higher than after hysterectomy but comparable to myomectomy in many studies.
Choosing Between UFE and Myomectomy
The choice between UFE and myomectomy most commonly comes down to three factors: whether you plan to become pregnant in the future, how many and what type of fibroids you have, and your preference for a surgical versus a minimally invasive approach. Women with fibroids planning future pregnancies should strongly consider myomectomy. Women who want to preserve the uterus but are not planning future pregnancies and prefer to avoid surgery are often strong candidates for UFE. Women with very large fibroids, a single dominant fibroid, or submucosal fibroids accessible hysteroscopically may also be good myomectomy candidates. Learn more about UFE, contact us to schedule a consultation.
Schedule Your Consultation
If you’re ready to explore your options, contact Seamless Medical Centers to schedule a consultation with Dr. Bhatti. Phone: 409-213-9575. Address: 3300 Jimmy Johnson Blvd, Suite #130, Port Arthur, Texas 77642.
Medical Disclaimer
Individual results may vary. This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Treatment decisions should be made in consultation with qualified healthcare providers.
Published by Seamless Medical Centers | Clinical information reflects the expertise of Dr. Zagum Bhatti, MD, Board-Certified Interventional Radiologist, Founder of Seamless Medical Centers.
Why Choose Seamless Medical Centers?
- Minimally Invasive: Most procedures require only a small incision and are performed as outpatient services.
- Expert Care: Board-certified interventional radiologists with extensive training and experience.
- Faster Recovery: Less downtime compared to traditional surgery, getting you back to your life sooner.
- Advanced Technology: State-of-the-art imaging and treatment equipment for precise, effective care.
- Patient-Centered: Personalized treatment plans tailored to your unique needs and goals.
Dr. Zagum Bhatti
Board-Certified Interventional Radiologist
Dr. Bhatti is dedicated to providing cutting-edge, minimally invasive treatments that offer patients faster recovery times and improved outcomes. With extensive training in interventional radiology, he specializes in image-guided procedures for a wide range of conditions.
