Our Process: Step 2 - Pre-Procedure Testing

As UFE is a uterus sparing procedure some testing is necessary to exclude cancer, infection, and fibroid mimics.

For those patients with abnormal bleeding an endometrial biopsy is necessary to exclude endometrial cancer or hyperplasia. This can usually be performed as an office procedure by your gynecologist. A D&C or hysteroscopy with biopsy can provide the same information.
A negative PAP smear within the last year to exclude cancer of the cervix.
A cervical culture is necessary to exclude infection for those with a history of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or current vaginal discharge. UFE must not be performed until any infection is eradicated.
MRI of the pelvis is performed prior to UFE to make sure you are an appropriate candidate. While some programs are willing to perform UFE based on ultrasound alone, at the Center we firmly believe in MRI. This study more accurately defines the size, location, and extent of fibroids. In addition, MRI is the best test to exclude a fibroid mimic, adenomyosis. Ovarian masses can sometimes be confused with fibroids at ultrasound and MRI is helpful here as well. Unfortunately, neither MRI, nor other imaging test, can distinguish fibroids from the very rare (<0.1%) cancer known as leiomyosarcoma.

Once all testing is complete and reviewed, we can schedule your procedure. This can often be done at the initial consultation provided the MRI and other workup is completed in advance.
Pre-Procedure bloodwork should be drawn about one week prior to the UFE procedure.

The next step was formerly the biggest hurdle to overcome, Step 3: Insurance Pre-Authorization. This too can be intiated at the initial consultation provided all workup is completed in advance.