What is Uterine Fibroid Embolization?
Uterine Fibroid Embolization is a treatment of the fibroid of the uterus and is a minimally invasive procedure. Uterine Fibroids Embolization basically destroys the fibroid without the need to remove it through surgery.
Through this treatment, the fibroids soften and eventually shrink, therefore losing volume and weight and no bearing on the nearby organs.
UFE treatment is proven effective for multiple fibroids. The chances of recurrence of treated fibroids are very rare.
What are the common applications of the Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE) treatment?
Uterine Artery Embolization is a procedure that is in use for decades to control severe pelvic bleeding that is caused by:
Trauma
Malignant gynecological tumors
Hemorrhage after childbirth
What are the Symptoms of Uterine Fibroid Embolization?
- Heavy menstrual bleeding, can result in anemia or painful periods which is lasting more than a week.?-Feeling of fullness in the pelvic area (lower stomach area)
- Enlargement of the lower abdomen
- Frequent urination
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Lower back pain
- Complications during pregnancy and labor, including a six-time greater risk of cesarean section
- Difficulty emptying the bladder
- Constipation
- Backache or leg pains
What is the Pre surgery care to be taken?
The doctor will ascertain your condition and the size and location of the fibroid to suggest if the Uterine Fibroid Embolization will be suitable for you.
The patient has to keep the doctor informed about any recent illness, medication to the doctor as well as if there are chances of pregnancy.
The patient is given local anesthesia before the treatment.
How is Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) performed?
An interventional radiologist performs the Uterine Fibroid Embolization Treatment. In UFE, a thin catheter is injected into the femoral artery in the groin region. The incision is minimal, just the size of a tip of a pencil.
The doctor guides the catheter right to the fibroid blood supply, and at this site, the small granular particles- the embolic agent is released both in the left and right uterine arteries.
The embolic agent released floats and blocks the small blood vessels to the fibroid and blocks its source of receiving nutrients.
When the process is completed the catheter is removed and pressure is applied to the incision spot to stop bleeding. The procedure takes 90 minutes to complete.
This is a very efficient technique as it shrinks the fibroid, softens it, and thus resulting in controlled or less bleeding. This technique is efficiently and majorly used in treating fibroids, as it reduces or totally eliminates all the symptoms.
What are the Post surgical care for Uterine Fibroid Embolization?
- About 7 to 10 days to fully recover.
- It may take 2 to 3 months for the fibroid to shrink enough for symptoms to decrease and your menstrual cycle to return to normal.
- Prescriptions for pain relief and other oral medications will be given by the Doctor.
- A Balanced diet – include fiber-rich foods and green leafy vegetables, Iron-rich foods with an adequate amount of physical activity is recommended.
What are the Benefits of UFE Treatment ?
- Less invasive as compared to Laparoscopic surgery or Myomectomy (Open surgery of individual fibroids).
- No incision and therefore no stitches and scars.
- Faster recovery time with no blood loss.
- 90% success ratio of symptom resolution.
Recurrence of uterine fibroid is rare.
What are the risks associated with UFE Treatment?
- Early menopause, is uncommon but can occur.
- There is always a chance that an embolic agent can lodge in the wrong place and deprive normal tissue of its oxygen supply.
- An occasional allergic reaction to the x-ray contrast material used.
- The likelihood of requiring hysterectomy after UFE, at a later stage.
- Future childbearing would be a concern, UFE can affect fertility
- A Cesarean procedure during the delivery time to avoid harming the uterine walls.
