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]
- Science Daily
Uterine Fibroid Embolization Cost in India
Eager to know how much Uterine Fibroid Embolization costs in India? Check the cost comparison table below.
| USA | India | Savings |
|---|---|---|
| $20,000 | $5,000 | 75% |
*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] It has a success rate of 97%.[3] Also, the doctors who perform the UFE in India have vast experience in their field.
MTC's network of hospitals can provide you with UFE treatment at 5,000 USD. This package includes hospital stays, doctor's fees, 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]
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 centres 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] Helps in a low-budget trip.
- Currency exchange benefit: USD is stronger than the Indian rupee (INR).[6]
- 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]
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 convenience schedule.
Uterine Fibroid Embolization Surgeons in India
Dr. Chander Mohan
Dr. Mohan is an interventional radiologist in New Delhi.
He was an associate professor at Military Hospital, Pune. He is also the recipient of the Sena Medal for distinguished services by the Honorable President of India.
Dr Mohan also bagged the General Officer Commander-in-Chief Commendation Medal. He received it for his services during the Kargil War.
Education
University of Delhi
Memberships
- Indian Medical Association (IMA)
- Indian Society of Vascular & Interventional Radiology
- Cardiovascular Interventional Radiology Society of Europe
Dr. Pradeep Kumar Muley
Dr. Pradeep Kumar Muley is an interventional radiologist in Delhi NCR.
Dr. Muley has performed over 20,000 diagnostic and interventional procedures.
He completed a fellowship in interventional radiology at Singapore General Hospital. He was also a visiting associate in neuro-interventional radiology at Iowa University Hospitals.
Education
Devi Ahilya Vishwa Vidyalaya, Indore
Memberships
- Medical Council of India (MCI)
- Delhi Medical Council (DMC)
Dr. Suman Lal
Dr. Suman is a senior consultant in obstetrics and gynecology.
She has advanced laparoscopic training and a diploma in assisted reproduction techniques & IVF (Germany). She also holds a diploma in cosmetic & aesthetic gynecology.
She was honored with the ‘Hall of Fame’ award for endoscopic surgery in north India. Dr. Lal was also recognized in India’s Top 50 Achievers and Leaders in 2021.
Education
All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi
Memberships
- Federation of Asia and Oceania Perinatal Societies (FAOPS)
- Federation of Obstetrician and Gynecologist of India (FOGSI)
- Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Delhi (AOGD)
Dr. Bijoy Kumar Nayak
Dr. Bijoy has expertise in minimally invasive gynecology. He is the senior director of the same at the hospital.
He has performed more than 75,000 tubal ligations in more than 1000 camps.
Dr. Nayak has received the Chief Minister of Odisha Award for contributions to gynecology. He is also credited for initiating gynecological laparoscopic surgery in Odisha.
Education
S.C.B. Medical College, Cuttack
Memberships
- International Society of Gynecological Endoscopy (ISGE)
- Indian Association of Gynaecological Endoscopists (IAGE)
- Association of Gynecological Robotic Surgeons (AGRS)
What is Uterine Fibroid Embolization?
UFE is a treatment for fibroid tumours 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.
UFE has improved the quality of life for women for more than 20 years.[8]
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 tumours, 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.
Alternative Names: Uterine Fibroid Embolization, UFE, 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]
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]
- For patients who faced fertility issues before UFE: It helps to restore fertility.[11]
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]
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.
86% of women who had the UFE were able to get pregnant.[13]
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.
| Features | UFE | Hysterectomy |
|---|---|---|
| Type of procedure | Non-surgical | Surgical |
| Uterus condition | Retained | Partially or entirely removed. |
| Anesthesia | Local | General |
| Hospital stay | One day | Five days |
| Full recovery | 1 to 2 weeks | 6 to 8 weeks |
| Cost-effectiveness | Cheaper | Expensive |
| Blood loss during the treatment | Do not occur | Occurs |
| Pain level | Less | High |
| Major complications | 12% | 20% |
| Reintervention rate | 32% | 4% |
| Patient satisfaction | 90% | 87% |
| Healthy pregnancies[17] | Possible | Not possible |
Source: Radiology Info.org[14], NEJM[15], SAGE Journals[16]
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 on your fibroid-related symptoms.
Who Qualifies for the Uterus-Sparing Treatments?
| Parameters | Drug Therapy | Endometrial Ablations | Myomectomy | UFE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy menstrual bleeding | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Pelvic pressure and pain | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Fibroid size-related symptoms | ❌ | ❌ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Chances of fibroid regrowth | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ❌ |
| Plan for future pregnancies | ✔ | ❌ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Preserve the uterus | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Source: UpToDate[18]
Comparison of Various Uterine-sparing Treatments
| Treatment Option | Invasiveness | Cost in USD |
|---|---|---|
| Shrinking fibroids by hormonal birth control medicines, or NSAIDs | ||
| Prescription Drug Therapy | NA | $240-$6,000 (Per year) |
| Burn off the uterine lining using a particular instrument. | ||
| Endometrial Ablations | Minimally Invasive | $6,000-$10,000 |
| Surgical removal of fibroids alone. | ||
| Myomectomy | Surgical Procedure | $15,000 |
| Shrinking fibroids by cutting off blood supply to them. | ||
| UFE | Minimally Invasive | $20,000 |
Advantages of Uterine Fibroid Embolization
The benefits of UFE include:[19]
- Fast recovery.
- The uterus is intact.
- No general anesthesia.
- Fibroid regrowth is rare.
- It has a success rate of 97%.
- It treats multiple fibroids at once.
- Less invasive, non-surgical option.
- A safe pregnancy after the UFE is possible.
- It requires a small skin cut in the skin. Hence, no blood loss.
Uterine Fibroid Embolization Risks
UFE is a safe and effective technique to treat uterine fibroids.[20] However, any treatment that needs a catheter inside a blood vessel has a few risks. The risks of UFE could include:[21]
- 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]
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.
| Category | Tests |
| General Tests |
|
| For UFE |
|
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 threaded 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 the left and right arteries.
- If needed, more than one fibroid can be treated.
Treatment Itinerary
- Procedure Time: 1 to 3 hours
- Length of stay: 2 to 3 days in the hospital
- Outside hospital: 1 to 2 weeks (International patients)
Post-Treatment Experience
One may need a hospital stay of one night. After the procedure, a UFE patient could experience:[23]
- 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 shorter, although it varies with each case. The routine for a UFE patient could be:[24]
- 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]
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
MRI helps in the accurate diagnosis of fibroids. However, if MRI is not possible, you can take an Ultrasound.
Yes, most people who have symptomatic fibroids are candidates for UFE. The UFE can successfully treat fibroids of all sizes and types.
If the IUD is for bleeding, it needs to be taken out before the UFE. If it is for birth control, you do not need to take it out.
Blood transfusion is not required since there is no blood loss during the UFE.
Usually, women return to work in about 7 to 10 days. However, some women recover more quickly than others. It depends on an individual’s health condition.
Yes, most insurance companies cover the UFE procedure. We can assist you in confirming your coverage for UFE.
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
