This is due to the necrosis (dying) of the fibroids, which causes inflammation and swelling of the uterus. Patients are usually admitted for one or two days following UFE for pain control. Fever is common (due to the inflammation) and some patients experience nausea.

What is necrosis of a fibroid?

Necrotic tissue is simply dead tissue. With embolization, fibroids do die, or "necrose," and that dead tissue then shrinks in size as it loses its blood supply. Over a long period of time, the body converts those dead fibroids to a type of internal scar tissue.

How is necrotic fibroid treated?

Ultrasonography is the recommended initial imaging modality for diagnosis of uterine fibroids. Management of uterine fibroids should be tailored to the size and location of fibroids; the patient's age, symptoms, desire to preserve fertility, and access to therapy; and the physician's experience.