Uterine Fibroid Embolization in India

Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) is a new approach to treat fibroids in the uterus. It can be a good option for patients who wish to preserve their uterus. Uterine Fibroid Embolization in India is safe as well as cost-effective.

Video Courtesy: Merit Medical Systems

Approximately nine out of 10 patients who undergo uterine fibroid embolization will experience significant improvement or their symptoms will go away completely.^[1]ScienceDaily Minimally invasive, less expensive treatment for uterine fibroids underutilized “Approximately nine out of 10 patients who undergo uterine fibroid embolization will experience…” View in Article

Uterine Fibroid Embolization Cost in India

Eager to know how much does Uterine Fibroid Embolization cost in India? Check the cost comparison table below.

UFE Cost Comparison (USD)

*Prices may vary with the complexity of a case.

The average cost of a Uterine Fibroid Embolization in the USA is $20,000. The same treatment in India is 75% cheaper while having high-quality.

UFE is a highly effective and safe method to treat the symptoms of fibroid.^[2]RSNA Management of Uterine Fibroids: A Focus on Uterine-sparing Interventional Techniques “…the patient’s anatomy; and treatment goals. UAE is a highly effective, safe, and cost-effective approach…” View in Article It has a success rate of 97%.^[3]Times of India Now, a non-surgical cure for fibroids “And UAE has a 97 per cent success rate.” So how does this wonder process work? …” View in Article Also, the doctors who perform the UFE in India have vast experience in their field.

MTC‘s network of hospitals can provide you UFE treatment at 5,000 USD. This package includes hospital stay, doctor’s fee, medicines, lab tests, and conveyance costs for all medical needs.

Note: The UFE package price varies with the medical report of the patient.

Getting Uterine Fibroid Embolization in India

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists approves UFE as a safe and effective non-surgical treatment for fibroids.^[4]ACOG Practice Bulletin Alternatives to Hysterectomy in the Management of Leiomyomas. “Summary of Recommendations- Based on long- and short-term outcomes, uterine artery embolization is a safe and effective option…” View in Article

There are several advantages of coming to India for UFE treatment. Some of them are:

• UFE in India saves you up to 75% of the cost in the west.
• Top-quality treatment with personalized care.
• UFE procedures in India have a success rate of 95 – 97%
• Our fibroid treatment centers in India are internationally certified.
• MTC chosen UFE experts in India have over 25 years of experience.
• Most of the fibroid specialists are overseas-trained and educated.
• Reduced waiting time for the treatment.
• Low cost of living in India:^[5]Expatistan Cost of living in India compared to United States “Cost of living in India is 65% cheaper than in United States” View in Article Helps in a low-budget trip.
• Currency exchange benefit: USD is stronger than the Indian rupee (INR).^[6]XE.com XE Currency Converter “1 INR to USD = 0.0136675 US Dollars” View in Article
• Ease of travel: Medical tourism destinations in India are well-connected to the rest of the world by air.
• No language barrier: India is the 2nd largest English-speaking country in the world.^[7]K International Which Countries Have the Most English Speakers? “Read on to find out which countries have the most English speakers…India is next on the list, with 125 million English speakers…” View in Article

MTC can arrange for the best and most proficient hospital services for your fibroid treatment in India. We can connect you with the UFE experts and medical team at your convenient schedule.

Uterine Fibroid Embolization Surgeons in India

Dr. Chander Mohan

• More than 26 years of practice.
• MBBS, MD (Radiology), Neuro-intervention applications training, Oxford, UK.
• Specialized in Radiotherapy, Interventional diagnostic.
• Works at BLK hospital, JCI, NABL, NABH.

Dr. Pradeep Kumar Muley

• More than 30 years of practice.
• MBBS, MD (Radiology).
• Over 20,000 interventional procedures, including 1050 UFEs.
• Works at Fortis hospital, JCI, NABH.

Dr. Suman Lal

• More than 25 years of practice.
• MBBS, MD (Obstetrics and Gynecology), Diploma in AGLS, Germany.
• Specialized in gynae laparoscopic surgeries like hysterectomy, fibroid treatment, etc.
• Works at Max hospital, ISO, JCI, NABH, NABL.

Dr. Bijoy Kumar Nayak

• More than 30 years of practice.
• MBBS, MD (Obstetrics and Gynaecology), Residency program, Italy.
• Specialized in Gynaecologist Laparoscopy and Robotic Surgery.
• Works at Manipal hospital, ISO: 9001, NABL, NABH, AAHRPP.

What is Uterine Fibroid Embolization?

UFE is a treatment for fibroid tumors of the uterus. It is not a surgery. The goal of UFE is to cut off the blood flow to fibroid blood vessels. Without the blood supply, the fibroids do not get oxygen. It will start to shrink and die.

What is Uterine Artery Embolization?

Uterine artery embolization(UAE) helps to stop pelvic bleeding. The cause of such bleeding could be due to fibroids, cancerous tumors, or trauma, etc. Thus, the UAE can cure many conditions that lead to pelvic bleeding, not only fibroids. To be exact, UFE is a type of UAE.

Uterine Fibroid Embolization for Large Fibroids

The fibroid size does not matter in UFE. The larger the fibroid at baseline, the larger will be the residual fibroid volume. In most cases, the fibroid size is at least 60% reduced. This amount of shrinkage is enough for symptom control in more than 90% of patients.^[9]JVIR Quality Improvement Guidelines for Uterine Artery Embolization for Symptomatic Leiomyomata “Outcome: Leiomyoma size reduction: 50-60%. Reduction of bulk symptoms- 88-92%, Patient satisfaction (would recommend UAE to a friend)-80-90%…” View in Article

Uterine Fibroid Embolization and Fertility

UFE is a less invasive treatment option for fibroids in the uterus. However, there is always a question of whether the UFE impacts childbirth. The recent findings on UFE show:

• For patients who did not have fertility issues before UFE: It helps to preserve fertility.^[10]Pubmed Fertility after uterine artery embolization for symptomatic multiple fibroids with no other infertility factors “Women without infertility factors showed an encouraging delivery rate after UAE. For women choosing UAE over abdominal myomectomy, childbearing may not be impaired…” View in Article
• For patients who faced fertility issues before UFE: It helps to restore fertility.^[11]Radiology Today Interventional News: New Conception — Large Study Finds That UFE Preserves Fertility “This study supports that UFE does not compromise future fertility and can, in fact, restore fertility in selected patients.”…” View in Article

Uterine Fibroid Embolization and Pregnancy

In most cases, women have a safe pregnancy after UFE. Still, there are chances that UFE may increase the risk of complications.^[12]Springer Pregnancy and its Outcomes in Patients After Uterine Fibroid Embolization: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis “…a safe pregnancy after UAE is obviously possible resulting to a healthy and normal baby delivery…Rate of obstetrical complications was 25.4% (95% CI = 13–40.2%) among all finished pregnancies…” View in Article If you plan to have a baby, you need to discuss it with your doctor. He can help you review the potential risks related to the UFE treatment.

Uterine Fibroid Embolization vs. Hysterectomy

Talking with your doctor is essential to find which fibroid treatment option is right for you. However, you can be aware of the differences between the two main fibroid treatments here.

Reference-^[14]Radiology Info.org Uterine Fibroid Embolization “Uterine fibroid embolization, done under local anesthesia,…As compared to surgery, general anesthesia is not required and the recovery time is much shorter, with virtually no blood loss.” View in Article, ^[15]NEJM Uterine-Artery Embolization versus Surgery for Symptomatic Uterine Fibroids “The embolization group had a shorter median duration of hospitalization than the surgical group (1 day vs. 5 days, P<0.001)…Women in the surgical group had a significantly higher pain score at 24 hours…embolization was more cost-effective than surgery…there were 13 major adverse events in the embolization group (12%) and 10 in the surgical group (20%) (P=0.22)…” View in Article, ^[16]SAGE Journals Uterine Artery Embolization for Heavy Menstrual Bleeding “…Satisfaction scores were very high in both groups (UAE 90% and surgery 87%) at 5 years …the cumulative need for re-intervention at 5 years was significantly higher in the UAE group (32%) than the surgery group (4%)…” View in Article, ^[17]Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists Clinical Recommendations on the use of UAE in the management of fibroids “In women who wish to retain their fertility, a hysterectomy is clearly contraindicated…successful pregnancy is certainly possible after UAE…” View in Article

If you are young and hoping to have children, a hysterectomy might not be the right choice for your fibroid treatment. A hysterectomy ends the chance of getting pregnant. At the same time, a minimally invasive treatment can keep your uterus intact.

Uterus-sparing Treatment Options for Uterine Fibroids

You must select a treatment based upon your fibroid-related symptoms.

Who Qualifies for the Uterus-sparing Treatments?

Ref: Patient education: Uterine fibroids.^[18]UpToDate Patient education: Uterine fibroids (Beyond the Basics) “…NSAIDs…can help reduce menstrual cramps and decrease menstrual flow…Hormonal birth control…reduce bleeding, cramps, and pain during your menstrual period… do not affect your chances of becoming pregnant… Endometrial ablation destroys the lining of the uterus…can help to decrease heavy menstrual bleeding caused by fibroids… but pregnancy is not recommended after treatment and often not possible…Myomectomy can reduce both bleeding and size related symptoms … fibroids will come back after myomectomy… If you are having trouble getting pregnant and fibroids could be the cause, myomectomy is the standard surgical option…UAE decreases other fibroid symptoms including heavy menstrual bleeding… it is possible to become pregnant…” View in Article

Comparison of Various Uterine-sparing Treatments

Advantages of Uterine Fibroid Embolization

The benefits of UFE include:^[19]Am Fam Physician Uterine Fibroid Embolization “Advantages of UFE…virtually no blood loss…General anesthesia and surgical incisions are avoided. Recovery is weeks shorter…All fibroids are treated at once…UFE recurrence rates appear to be lower…” View in Article

• Less invasive, non-surgical option.
• It requires a small skin cut in the skin. Hence, no blood loss.
• No general anesthesia.
• It treats multiple fibroids at once.
• Fast recovery.
• Fibroids regrowth is rare.
• The uterus is intact.
• A safe pregnancy after the UFE is possible.
• It has a success rate of 97%.

Uterine Fibroid Embolization Risks

UFE is a safe and effective technique to treat uterine fibroids.^[20]India Today Uterine Artery Embolisation “UAE is an effective way to treat symptoms caused by fibroids…Uterine artery embolization is generally safe…” View in Article However, any treatment that needs a catheter inside a blood vessel has a few risks. The risks of UFE could include:^[21]Radiologyinfo.org Uterine Fibroid Embolization(UFE) “…catheter inside a blood vessel carries certain risks…damage to the blood vessel…infection…may have an allergic reaction to the x-ray contrast material…menopause occurs after uterine fibroid embolization…more commonly in women who are older than 45 years… need to have a hysterectomy… on the patient or future childbearing would be a concern…” View in Article

• Damage to an artery or the uterus.
• Possible Infection.
• Menstrual periods may not return (more common above 45 years).
• Allergic reaction to contrast dyes.
• Some women may need a uterus removal in the future.
• Problems with a future pregnancy may occur.

Your doctor will take precautions to reduce these risks. The chance of any of these risks is less than one percent in the hands of an experienced doctor.^[22]Radiologyinfo.org Uterine Fibroid Embolization(UFE) “When performed by an experienced interventional radiologist, the chance of any of these events occurring during uterine fibroid embolization is less than one percent.” View in Article

Uterine Fibroid Embolization Procedure in India

An interventional radiologist will be performing your UFE procedure in India. We will provide you with the profile of the specialist before you proceed with the treatment. Our case manager will take care of all your treatment needs while you are in India.

Pre-treatment Tips for UFE Patients

As the patient leads to the UFE procedure, she needs to follow some steps:

• Quit smoking if you have the habit.
• Tell your doctor if you plan to have a baby in the future.
• List any allergies to anesthesia or contrast materials.
• If you take blood-thinning drugs, stop them.
• Follow your doctor’s advice on when to stop eating and drinking.

Uterine Fibroid Embolization Treatment Procedure

Video Courtesy: Prof. Saim Yilmaz

• You receive conscious sedation.
• A local pain killer on the groin area numbs the skin.
• In the skin over the groin, a small vent is made.
• A catheter (a thin tube) is put into a blood vessel in the upper thigh.
• The catheter is thread into the uterine artery.
• Small particles are passed through the catheter.
• These particles stop the blood supply to the fibroid.
• The catheter is removed, and pressure is applied to stop bleeding.
• The small skin vent is covered with a dressing.
• One skin cut is enough to reach both left and right arteries.
• If needed, more than one fibroid can be treated.

Post-Treatment Experience

One may need a hospital stay of one night. After the procedure, a UFE patient could experience:^[23]Radiologyinfo.org Uterine Fibroid Embolization(UFE) “You may experience pelvic cramps…possibly mild nausea and low-grade fever as well. The cramps are most severe during the first 24 hours after the procedure and will improve…Relief of bulk-related symptoms usually takes two to three weeks to be noticeable…By six months, symptom improvement will stabilize..” View in Article

• First 24 hours: Severe pelvic cramps, mild nausea, and low-grade fever.
• 1 – 14 days: Pelvic cramps gradually decrease.
• 2 – 3 weeks: Relief of bulk-related symptoms.
• Six months: Relief of all symptoms.

Uterine Fibroid Embolization Recovery

Due to a small cut in the skin, there is no blood loss during the UFE. The recovery time is much short, although it varies with each case. The routine for a UFE patient could be:^[24]MedlinePlus Uterine artery embolization – discharge “DO NOT drive for 24 hours…Move around slowly, only for brief periods… Avoid strenuous activity like housework, … for at least 2 days…return to your normal, light activities in 1 week. Most women need 1 to 2 weeks to recover after UAE before returning to work.” View in Article

• First 24 hours: Rest well. Do not drive.
• First two days: Move around slowly. Avoid tough activities.
• 2 – 7 days: Return to light activities.
• 7 – 14 days: Fully get back to a normal lifestyle.
• At six months, you will need to take an MRI to check symptom improvement.

Note: If symptoms continue, 25% of patients below 40 years have a risk of requiring further treatment. It could be a repeat UFE, myomectomy, or hysterectomy.^[25]Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists Clinical Recommendations on the use of UAE in the management of fibroids “…they may require further treatment for recurrent symptoms. The younger they are, the more likely this is…Further treatment might include a repeat UFE, exploration of uterine cavity, myomectomy, or hysterectomy.” View in Article

Uterine Fibroid Embolization Clinical Outcomes

Source: Boston Scientific Research

Medical Tourism in India

Visa Requirements

• You will need a passport and a visa to visit India.
• Make sure your passport is valid for 180 days or six months.
• A tourist visa would help to get the treatment in India.
• The tourist visa would permit you to stay for up to 180 days.

How to Reach

• Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) is the International Airport in New Delhi.
• Non-stop flights to New Delhi from the US is around 15 hours.
• Our partner hospitals in.7 India offer free shuttle services between the airport, hotel, and hospital.

Helpful Tips

• Currency: Indian rupee, 1 USD = 73.18 INR
• Language: Hindi and English
• Time zone: GMT+5:30
• Best time to visit: October to March

MTC facilitates low-cost Uterine Fibroid Embolization treatment at various hospitals in India. We can help you find many other world-class destinations abroad for UFE treatment.

FAQs

References

• ScienceDaily:Minimally invasive, less expensive treatment for UFs underutilized.
• RSNA: Management of UF: A Focus on Uterine-sparing Techniques.
• Times of India: A non-surgical cure for fibroids.
• ACOG Practice Bulletin: Alternatives to Hysterectomy 
• Expatistan: Cost of living in India compared to United States
• XE Currency Converter: US Dollar(USD) to Indian Rupee(INR)
• K International: Which Countries Have the Most English Speakers?
• Interventional News: Woman who had UAE were able to get pregnant – Analysis
• Radiology Today: Interventional News
• JVIR: Quality Improvement Guidelines for UAE for Symptomatic Leiomyomata
• NEJM: UAE versus Surgery for Symptomatic Uterine Fibroids
• SAGE Journals: Uterine Artery Embolization for Heavy Menstrual Bleeding
• RCOG: Clinical Recommendations on the Use of UAE in the Management of Fibroids
• UpToDate: Patient Education: Uterine fibroids (Beyond the Basics)
• American Family Physician: Uterine Fibroid Embolization
• Radiology Info.org: Uterine Fibroid Embolization
• Pubmed: Fertility after UAE for Symptomatic Multiple Fibroids
• Springer: Pregnancy and its Outcomes in Patients After UFE.
• India Today: Uterine Artery Embolization
• MedlinePlus: Uterine Artery Embolization – Discharge