Cost of Uterine Fibroid Embolization

What impacts the cost of a Uterine Fibroid Embolization?

The cost of uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) in India typically ranges from ₹130,000 to ₹150,000, but it differs based on the specific hospital, the expertise of the interventional radiologist, and the complexity of the case. The cost of uterine fibroid embolization differs based on the hospital choice and doctor’s fees.    

What is a Uterine Fibroid Embolization?

Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE), also called Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE), refers to a minimally invasive procedure that helps in treating uterine fibroid, which are non-cancerous growths in the uterus. It functions by blocking the blood supply to the fibroid, resulting in their shrinking and alleviating symptoms such as pelvic pain, heavy bleeding, and pressure.  

What affects the Cost of Uterine Fibroid Embolization?

The cost of a uterine fibroid embolization is influenced by many factors, such as the complexity of the case, the type of facility, the surgeon's expertise, and the need for additional services. Let's have a look at the factors that affect the cost of Uterine Fibroid Embolization in India.    

1. Hospital or Clinic

• Facility Type: Specialized clinics and private hospitals usually have higher costs because of their advanced infrastructure and personalized care.
• Reputation and Location: Well-advanced provisions and those in major metropolitan regions might charge more.  

2. Surgeon's Expertise

• Radiologist’s Experience and Reputation: Highly experienced and renowned interventional radiologists might charge a premium for the services being done.

3. Complexity of the Procedure

• Number, Size and Location of Fibroid: Complex cases that need longer procedures or specialized techniques will result in the higher costs.
• Need for Extra Procedures: If extra procedures are required, like diagnostic tests or other interventions, then that will affect the overall cost.    

4. Hospital Stay and Post-Operative Care  

• Length of Stay: The duration of hospitalization can significantly affect the cost, with longer stays resulting in higher expenses.
• Post-operative Care: The type and intensity of post-operative care necessary will also contribute to the overall cost.  

5. Health Insurance Coverage

• Out-of-Pocket Expenses: The level of health insurance coverage will identify the extent of out-of-pocket expenses.
• Deductibles and Co-pays: Patients must know about their deductible and co-pay obligations.

6. Other Factors

• Pre- and Post-Procedure Medications: The cost of medications used before and after the procedure will get added to the total cost.
• Follow-up Appointments: The number and cost of follow-up consultations will add to the total cost.  
• Anaesthesia Used: The type and administration of anaesthesia will also affect the cost.

How is the Uterine Fibroid Embolization different from Uterine Fibroid Surgeries?  

Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) and uterine fibroid surgeries (like myomectomy or hysterectomy) are the treatments for uterine fibroid, but they vary significantly in their approach and intrusiveness.   

What are the benefits of the Uterine Fibroid Embolization? 

There are many  benefits of the Uterine Fibroid Embolization. Let's have a look at the benefits of the Uterine Fibroid Embolization.  

1. Uterine Fibroids (Leiomyomas) : Uterine Fibroids are the common reason for doing UFE. Fibroids can differ in size and location within the uterus and might result in wide a range of symptoms, like heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, and pressure.     
2. Heavy or Prolonged Menstrual Bleeding (Menorrhagia) : UFE can help lower or stop excessive bleeding related to the fibroids.
3. Pelvic Pain and Pressure : Fibroids can result in the pain and pressure in the pelvic region, which could be relieved by UFE.  
4. Other Fibroid Associated Symptoms : UFE helps address symptoms such as the frequent urination, constipation, and pain during sex, which happens because of the fibroids pressing on other organs.     
5. Adenomyosis : In a few cases, UFE might be considered for adenomyosis, a condition in which the uterine lining develops into the uterus muscular wall, resulting in similar symptoms to fibroids.  
6. Uterine Arteriovenous Malformations (AVMs) : UFE sometimes can be helpful in treating AVMs, which are abnormal connections between arteries and veins in the uterus.  

Which type of hospitals offer Uterine Fibroid Embolization?

Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE), also called Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE), is provided by hospitals with Interventional Radiology departments.

1. Interventional Radiology : Interventional Radiology is the primary department that performs UFE. Interventional radiologists are specialists guiding minimally invasive procedures, like UFE using the imaging techniques.  
2. Gynecology and Obstetrics  : Gynecology and Obstetrics  helps in finding out and assessing patients who may benefit from UFE. They can also provide follow-up care after the procedure.
3. Women's Health Centres/Departments : A few hospitals have dedicated centres or departments focused on women's health, which might provide UFE as one of the treatment choices for uterine fibroids.  
4. Minimally Invasive Surgery Centres  : Hospitals having specialized centres for minimally invasive procedures might provide UFE, as it serves as a minimally invasive treatment for fibroids.  

What happens during a Uterine Fibroid Embolization?  

Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) is a minimally invasive procedure in which the tiny particles are injected into the uterine arteries to block blood flow to fibroids, causing them to shrink.  

1. Preparation : Before the procedure, imaging tests such as MRI or ultrasound help in the location and assessment of the fibroids. Patients might be provided antibiotics and might have a catheter inserted into their bladder for urine drainage. They will also have an IV line for sedation or anaesthesia.
2. Catheter Insertion : An interventional radiologist makes a small incision (about the pencil tip size) in the groin or wrist. A catheter is then inserted into the femoral or radial artery and carefully guided to the uterine arteries below live X-ray guidance.   
3. Embolization : Once the catheter is in place, embolic agents (small particles) are injected into the uterine arteries. These particles get into the blood vessels and block the blood flow to the fibroids.  
4. Monitoring and Recovery : After the embolization, the catheter is removed, and the incision is bandaged. Patients are checked for some hours before being discharged, or they might stay overnight. Pain and cramping are general in the days after the procedure, and a few people might pass fibroid tissue.    
5. Shrinking and Symptom Relief : With the blood supply cut off, the fibroids start to shrink, and symptoms such as the heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, and pressure on the bladder or rectum often get enhanced. Many women can return to normal activities within a week or two.

Facts about Uterine Fibroid Embolization

• While uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) can have a lower initial cost compared to a few surgical procedures such as the hysterectomy or myomectomy, it often leads to lower overall costs because of the shorter hospital stays and quicker recovery times. But the exact cost comparison differs depending upon the individual circumstances, health insurance coverage, and the particular procedures being compared.
• Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE), also called uterine artery embolization (UAE), is performed by an interventional radiologist. These specialists are trained to use imaging guidance, such as X-rays, to do minimally invasive procedures, like blocking blood flow into the uterine fibroids.   
• Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) is generally considered a safe and effective treatment for uterine fibroids, with most women experiencing relief from symptoms. While major complications are rare, they can occur, and some women may experience minor complications. It's crucial to discuss the potential risks and benefits with a healthcare provider to determine if UFE is the right choice.     
• Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) can be a worthwhile treatment for symptomatic uterine fibroids, offering a less invasive alternative to surgery with a high success rate in symptom relief for many women. However, potential risks and limitations should be carefully considered, and individual circumstances should be discussed with a healthcare professional to determine if UFE is the right choice.    
• The recovery time after Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) is usually short, with most women returning back to their normal activities within one to two weeks. While some pelvic pain and cramping can be expected for a few days, pain medication is usually effective in managing it. Most women can return to work within a week or two, depending on the nature of their job.   
• Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) is not seen as a surgery, but it is a catheter-based surgical procedure. It's an alternative to other choices such as hysterectomy or myomectomy, used for treating uterine fibroids.  While it involves blocking blood flow to fibroids, it does not involve surgical incisions or clearing off the uterus.    
• The "right time" for carrying out the uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) is when symptoms caused by fibroids are so serious as to warrant treatment and when other treatment choices, such as medication, have been considered or found ineffective. It's a decision made in consulting with a healthcare provider, keeping in mind all the individual factors such as symptom severity, reproductive goals, and total health.