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Abstract Uterine fibroid embolization is a new treatment which is technically possible in a high percentage of cases. It has been used as a promising, and minimally invasive new option for patients with symptomatic fibroid disease. The fibroid degenerates, but the uterus is otherwise is preserved and successful pregnancies after embolization have been described. It takes approximately 60-90 minutes to perform; It requires a hospital stay of one night after the procedure and a convalescence period usually around one month. UFE can be performed for symptomatic leiomyoma. It is indicated after failed medical treatment or in patients who express their desire for uterine preservation or avoidance of further surgery unless they have any of the exclusion criteria. UFE leads to an impressive mid- and long-term improvement of all investigated physical and psychological fibroid-related and associated symptoms and significantly improves women’s health-related quality of life. There is also, reduction of uterine and fibroid size and vascularity on follow up by different imaging techniques. UFE has high success rate in comparison with the standard uterine sparing surgery with a shorter post procedural recovery period and lower morbidity and mortality rates. Major complications of UFE are rare compared with other surgical procedures. Minor complications are usually encountered. The most common complication is post embolization syndrome which is transient and usually subsides within one week. Embolization carries potential risks. The benefits of embolization should overcome the potential risk for the procedure. However, the risk of th procedure must be also weighed against those of non intervention and surgical techniques Unlike myomectomy or hysterectomy, UFE involves virtually no blood loss or risk of blood transfusion. General anesthesia and surgical incisions are avoided. Recovery is weeks shorter than recovery from hysterectomy or open myomectomy and is cheaper compared to surgery. |