Uterine artery embolization
Uterine artery embolization is a minimally invasive treatment for uterine fibroids or adenomyosis. In uterine artery embolization, a specialised doctor (interventional radiologist) uses a slender, flexible tube (catheter) for injecting small particles (embolic agents) into the uterine arteries. The catheter is inserted via a groin vessel as in cardiac angiography. It is done super-selectively for the arteries supplying the fibroids sparing rest of the vessels supplying the normal uterus under guidance of real time x-rays called as fluoroscopy. The goal is to block the fibroid blood vessels, starving the fibroids and causing them to shrink and eventually disappear.
Not all uterine fibroids require treatment. It is offered only in fibroids which cause symptoms in some women, including heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain and swelling of the lower abdomen. Uterine artery embolization provides an alternative to surgery (myomectomy) for removal of fibroids.
You might choose uterine artery embolization if:
- You have severe pain or heavy bleeding from uterine fibroids
- You want to avoid surgery, or surgery is too risky for you
- You wish to preserve your uterus
- You are premenopausal or your family is complete or optimizing a future pregnancy isn't your chief concern. This is a pre-requisite because a potential complication risk of the procedure includes disruption of blood supply of non target organs like ovaries which may affect future pregnancies. Hence, it is ideal for a woman nearing menopause or for whom future fertility is not a chief concern.
Advantages of minimally invasive alternative
- Negligible bleeding
- Lesser post op morbidity – pain, heaviness, stretching.
- Scar less
- Minimal risks of infection
- Faster recovery
The only discomfort you feel after the intervention is mild pain post procedure which can be well controlled by good analgesia or pain pumps and a period of rest and immobilization for 8 hours post procedure. You are ready to resume activity after a good night sleep
The pre-procedure evaluation includes a sonography test followed by a good quality MRI scan for choosing the optimal candidates who will benefit most from the intervention. The post procedure follow up is variable but usually is done by ultrasounds and MRI scans again in a regular period as defined by the Radiologist.
