What is Surgical Associates?

Surgical Associates, is a multi-location surgical practice established in 1984, specializing in minimally invasive, in-office vascular, thoracic, and surgical care. Their board-certified surgeons treat conditions like uterine fibroids, osteoarthritic knee pain, peripheral artery disease, and vein disorders across Maryland, Washington D.C., and Virginia.

Where are Surgical Associates' office locations?

Surgical Associates has five locations: Camp Springs, MD (5801 Allentown Road, Ste 502); Silver Spring, MD (10750 Columbia Pike #220); Waldorf, MD (11370 Pembrooke Square); Reston, VA (1860 Town Center Drive, Ste 180); and Washington, D.C. (1160 Varnum Street NE, Ste 318). All locations can be reached at (240) 427-1630.

How do I book a consultation at Surgical Associates?

You can book a consultation by calling (240) 427-1630 or by visiting the online booking page at sacmd.com/contact. The team will guide you through the scheduling process and answer any questions before your visit.

What treatments does Surgical Associates offer?

Surgical Associates offers a range of minimally invasive procedures including: Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE), Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) for knee pain, Laser Ablation and Vein Treatments, Angioplasty, Atherectomy and Stenting, Radiofrequency Ablation, General Surgery, Vascular Surgery, and Wound Care.

What is Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE)?

Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) is a minimally invasive procedure that treats noncancerous uterine fibroids without surgery or general anesthesia. Tiny particles are injected through a small catheter to block blood flow to the fibroids, causing them to shrink over time. Most patients experience symptom relief within a few weeks to a few months. The procedure typically takes 60-90 minutes, is performed under sedation, and most women return home the same day.

Is Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) painful?

Most patients experience mild to moderate cramping after UFE, which is well managed with medication provided by the care team. The procedure itself is performed under sedation to ensure comfort throughout.

How soon will I see results after UFE?

Many women notice symptom relief within a few weeks after UFE, with continued improvement over several months as the fibroids gradually shrink. Symptoms such as heavy bleeding and pelvic pressure typically reduce significantly during this period.

Will I need to stay overnight after UFE?

UFE is typically an outpatient procedure, and most patients go home the same day or after a short observation period. Recovery is faster than traditional fibroid surgery, with most patients resuming normal activities within a week or two.

Does UFE preserve fertility?

Yes. UFE is a uterus-sparing procedure, making it a safe option for women who wish to maintain fertility. The treatment targets fibroids while leaving healthy uterine tissue intact. Patients are encouraged to discuss their fertility goals with their provider during the consultation.

What is Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE)?

Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat chronic osteoarthritic knee pain. It works by reducing blood flow to the inflamed lining of the knee joint, which helps decrease pain and improve mobility. GAE is designed for patients who have not found sufficient relief from other treatments and want to avoid or delay knee replacement surgery.

What vascular conditions does Surgical Associates treat?

Surgical Associates treats a wide range of vascular conditions including peripheral artery disease (PAD), varicose veins, venous insufficiency, and arterial blockages. Treatment options include angioplasty, atherectomy, stenting, laser ablation, radiofrequency ablation, and wound care for vascular-related wounds.

Are Surgical Associates' procedures performed in-office or in a hospital?

Most procedures at Surgical Associates are performed in-office as outpatient treatments, allowing for faster recovery and convenience. Some cases may be performed at select partner hospitals depending on the complexity of the procedure. The team will advise you on the appropriate setting during your consultation.

How experienced are the surgeons at Surgical Associates?

Surgical Associates' surgeons are board-certified with decades of experience. Dr. Rodeen Rahbar is a board-certified vascular surgeon with over 20 years of experience, has performed more than 1,500 interventions, and is recognized as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor. He trained at the University of Michigan, Marshall University, and Allegheny General Hospital, and previously served as an Assistant Professor of Vascular Surgery at George Washington University.

How long has Surgical Associates been in practice?

Surgical Associates has been serving patients since 1984, bringing over 40 years of experience in surgical and vascular care. The practice has evolved over the decades to focus on minimally invasive treatments for knee pain, uterine fibroids, and vascular conditions while maintaining its strong surgical heritage.

Fibroids and Fertility: What Women Should Know Before, During, and After UFE

For women diagnosed with fibroids who want children, whether now or in the future, the fertility question is often the most urgent one. Can I get pregnant with fibroids? Will treatment affect my ability to conceive? And where does UFE fit in?

How fibroids affect fertility. Not all fibroids impair fertility. Location matters more than size. Submucosal fibroids, those that distort the uterine cavity, have the strongest association with reduced fertility and pregnancy complications. They can interfere with embryo implantation, increase miscarriage risk, and cause preterm delivery. Intramural fibroids may also affect fertility when they’re large enough to distort the cavity. Subserosal fibroids (on the outer uterine surface) generally do not impact fertility.

UFE and fertility: what the evidence shows. The relationship between UFE and subsequent fertility is an area of active research and nuanced clinical discussion. Published case series have documented successful pregnancies after UFE, and patients have had healthy deliveries post-procedure. However, the SIR (Society of Interventional Radiology) notes that the effect of UFE on fertility is not fully established, and most guidelines recommend that women for whom fertility is the primary concern discuss myomectomy as the first-line uterus-preserving surgical option.

The key distinction: myomectomy surgically removes individual fibroids and is the treatment with the most established fertility data. UFE shrinks all fibroids simultaneously by blocking their blood supply and is ideal for symptom relief and uterine preservation, but the fertility conversation requires individualized counseling.

What we recommend. At SACMD, Dr. Chun has a transparent discussion about fertility with every UFE candidate of reproductive age. If fertility is your primary goal, we’ll discuss whether myomectomy or UFE is more appropriate based on your fibroid number, size, location, and reproductive timeline. If symptom relief is your primary goal and fertility is a secondary consideration, UFE may offer the best balance of effectiveness, recovery time, and uterine preservation.

No woman should make this decision without complete information.

Schedule a consultation: Call (240) 427-1630 or visit www.sacmd.com

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.

References:

SIR. UFE and Fertility: Patient Information.
NIH/NICHD. Fibroids and Fertility.
ACOG. Management of Uterine Fibroids. Practice Bulletin.
Mayo Clinic. Uterine Fibroids — Complications.

Dr. Albert Chun

Dr. Chun is a board-certified interventional radiologist at Surgical Associates, specializing in minimally invasive, image-guided procedures that treat complex conditions without surgery. As a fellowship-trained interventional radiologist with an MBA and advanced expertise in embolization therapies, Dr. Chun is a trusted specialist serving patients across Maryland, Washington DC, and Northern Virginia. His focus areas include uterine fibroid embolization (UFE), genicular artery embolization (GAE) for knee osteoarthritis, and hemorrhoidal artery embolization (HAE)—procedures that offer meaningful relief with same-day recovery. Dr. Chun’s commitment to evidence-based, patient-centered care has made him a leading voice in minimally invasive treatment across the DMV region.

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Fibroids and Fertility: What Women Should Know Before, During, and After UFE

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