Uterine Fibroid Embolisation (UFE) Clinic
Patient information
What we do
Highly experienced and credentialed specialist interventional radiologists, we use ‘keyhole surgery’ to treat uterine fibroids and adenomyosis – a common cause of heavy menstrual bleeding or other pelvic symptoms such as pressure/pain, or frequent toileting.
Fibroid embolisation is a safe and effective alternative to a hysterectomy or myomectomy procedure. The procedure involves blocking off the blood flow to the fibroids and leaves your uterus muscle intact. The blood vessels to the fibroids are accessed through a small tube placed in an artery near the groin or wrist through a tiny keyhole – there are no visible scars or wounds and this tube is removed after the procedure. With no blood supply, the fibroids shrink and then quickly fade away.
The procedure is performed with a heavy sedative so you will feel comfortable. It is very well tolerated by most people so the recovery time is significantly shorter than a traditional hysterectomy procedure. Additionally, there is not usually an out of pocket cost for this procedure when done through The Alfred UFE clinic.
Commonly asked questions
You can usually go home the next day.
Yes. Although you will usually be up and walking around, you will need to be with someone.
Not normally. It’s usually performed under sedation. However, a general anaesthetic can be arranged if needed.
Not usually. The procedure is not surgical in the traditional sense of the word.
You need to referred to us by your GP or gynaecologist
In most cases, there will be no out of pocket cost.
How to access this clinic
How to access this clinic
You need a referral letter from your GP or medical practitioner to access this service, including any imaging that you might have had that is relevant.
What to bring
Every time you come
- Medicare card
- Health Care Card and/or concession card (if you have one)
- Private health insurance card (if applicable/if you want to use it)
- Adverse drug alert card (if you have one)
- Previous X-ray films, scans, ultrasounds or any other test results or reports
- Medicines you need to take while you are here
- List of medicines you are currently taking (or the boxes), including medicines you have bought without a prescription, such as herbal supplements and vitamins
- Glasses, hearing aid(s) and/or walking frame if needed
For a clinic appointment
- Your appointment letter
- Any special items listed on your letter.
Clinic consultants
- Prof Warren Clements: Radiology
- A/Prof Jim Koukounaras: Radiology
- Prof Gerard Goh: Radiology
- Dr Tuan Phan: Radiology
- Dr Timothy Joseph: Radiology
- Dr Matthew Lukies: Radiology
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