The American Endovascular affiliated team of physicians is at the forefront of this breakthrough in uterine fibroid treatment. These physicians are among the nation’s most experienced at treating patients with uterine fibroids.
They offer Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE), minimally invasive-image guided procedure with fewer complications, quicker recovery times, and without a hospital stay. Dr. Donikyan explains the UFE process at American Endovascular.
Why Should You Choose American Endovascular to Perform UFE?
My partners and I have trained at some of the best institutions in New York City. We come from Montefiore Medical Center and Mount Sinai Medical Center and have been doing these procedures for over 10-15 years. We’ve done countless procedures over the years and we’ve developed techniques and experience that I think is unrivaled in the area.
What is the Experience for a Patient Who Has a UFE Procedure?
When a patient gets referred to us for a Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) procedure, we like to start with a 30-40 minute consultation, in which we go over the procedure. We review any imaging that has been performed. If imaging hasn’t been done in the last 6-12 months, we like to take new imaging to make sure we get a good idea of what we’re dealing with anatomically. We go over the risks, potential complications of the procedure, and we thoroughly review the patient’s medical history and any potential other treatment options that could be offered.
Once we schedule the procedure, a patient can expect to come into our outpatient center the day of the appointment and have their chart reviewed by our nursing staff. There are tests performed the day of the procedure to confirm anatomically how to proceed.
A UFE procedure takes about 45 minutes. It is usually done through an arterial puncture either in the groin or the wrist. We prefer the wrist because there are fewer complications associated with it and it is more comfortable for the patients. Sometimes we have to go through the groin. If that is the case, the recovery period is about an hour or so longer.
When the procedure is completed, the patient will rest in our recovery area where there’s a dedicated nurse to take care of the patient for about two to three hours post-procedure. Every patient is different in terms of their recovery. Some patients feel like they can go home almost right away. Other patients have a bit more discomfort. In that case, they might require more pain medication, which will be given here and monitored.
As far as post-procedure, once the patient is discharged, the patient can expect for about four to five days to experience some cramping and discomfort. We can prescribe pain medications, anti-nausea medications, and anti-inflammatory medications. Recovery is about five days on average. With some patients, it’s less, it could be three days. For other patients, it could be seven. On average, we tell people to plan for about five days.
What is the Recovery Process for Uterine Fibroid Embolization?
In our recovery area, we focus mostly on pain management and easing any discomfort. You will go home with the appropriate pain medications, anti-inflammatory medications, and anti-nausea medications. We are here for you every time you have a question or might need additional medications and are always here to manage and adjust the process as needed.
Why Would You Consider an Outpatient UFE Procedure vs at a Hospital?
We advocate doing these types of procedures in an outpatient center because the recovery is quick. It does not require a hospital stay. In this day and age, with COVID-19, you don’t want to have to unnecessarily visit the hospital.
We’re more than capable of doing these procedures here in the outpatient setting. Even when COVID-19 wasn’t an issue, patients tended to be more comfortable in our outpatient center. There is a more dedicated nursing staff who are in tune with what you might need while you’re recovering here.
The best place to recover from a procedure like this is your own home. If you don’t have to be in the hospital overnight it is a good thing. I think most people would agree that recovering in their own bed, in their own house, with the same kind of medications you get in the hospital is more beneficial.
Request a Consultation with Dr. Rundback
If you have uterine fibroids or have uterine fibroid symptoms, please request a consultation with Dr. Donikyan at Fishkill Endovascular.