5 Min Read
Uterine fibroid embolisation is a minimally invasive procedure that is being performed by Interventional Radiologists to treat uterine fibroids. It is an alternative to hysterectomy or myomectomy. This method causes the uterine fibroids to shrink by cutting off the fibroid tumours' blood supply. Before planning for uterine fibroid embolisation in Old Airport Road Bangalore, get more insights about it by going through all the important points discussed in this blog.
What are Uterine Fibroids?
Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths that can develop in the muscular wall of the uterus. Also called leiomyomas or myomas, these fibroids can range in size from small, pea-sized growths to large, grapefruit-sized masses. As they grow, various symptoms start to reflect such as heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, and pressure on the bladder or rectum.
There are 4 types of fibroids that develop in or just outside of the uterus.
-
Submucosal fibroids grow into the uterine cavity.
-
Intramural fibroids grow within the wall of the uterus.
-
Subserosal fibroids develop on the outside of the uterine wall.
-
Pedunculated uterine fibroids occur when a fibroid tumour grows on the uterine wall as a stalk-like growth, resulting in pedunculated submucosal (inside the uterus) or subserosal fibroids (outside the uterus).
When Should I Opt for Uterine Fibroid Embolisation Therapy?
With an estimated 85% success rate, Uterine Fibroid Embolisation is a reasonably successful operation. The most typical indication for Uterine Fibroid Embolisation is the management of uterine fibroids causing symptoms like:
-
Heavy bleeding during the menstrual cycle.
-
Pelvic pressure
-
Constipation
-
Painful intercourse
-
Frequent urination.
Your doctor could advise uterine fibroid embolisation for other symptoms, including heavy bleeding after childbirth, trauma, or malignant tumours. Patients who experience menstruation with a heavy flow will typically experience their cycle resuming its normal flow.
Undergoing Uterine Fibroid Embolisation is Not Advised If
-
You are pregnant
-
Have a pelvic infection.
-
Show no signs of uterine fibroids.
-
Have a condition that affects your blood vessels, arteries, and veins.
-
You are allergic to contrast dyes.
Benefits of Uterine Fibroid Embolization
As a minimally invasive treatment, UFE has many benefits for patients such as:
-
No scarring
-
Improvement of the fibroid symptoms.
-
Less risky than surgery.
-
Quick recovery time.
-
Shortened hospital stays.
-
Treatment of multiple fibroids at once.
-
Safe removal of the fibroid.
-
No need for surgery.
-
The uterus is out of danger.
Uterine Fibroid Embolisation Procedure
The UFE procedure is performed by a qualified specialist, most frequently an interventional radiologist.
-
The doctors will measure your heart rate, pulse, and blood pressure.
-
An intravenous (IV) line into the vein in your hand or arm will be placed to administer sedative medications.
-
Through a small incision, your radiologist will place a catheter into a blood vessel in the wrist or the groin area and direct it to the blood vessels guiding the uterine fibroids using fluoroscopic (X-ray) imaging.
-
The embolic agent is then released into both the right and left uterine arteries by moving the first inserted catheter.
-
The process will take about 90 minutes to complete and it doesn’t require any sutures to be done.
Small particles are released to stop the blood flow to the fibroids. After the blood supply from the fibroids is cut off, the fibroids begin to shrink. Recurrence of the fibroids after this procedure is rare. Most patients can return to normal lives within a few days of the treatment. UFE reduces the size of the fibroids, and the patients will experience significant improvement, or their symptoms will completely disappear.
Your doctor will discuss every aspect of the method based on your medical history and other health conditions during the consultation. Whether UFE impacts a subsequent pregnancy can be a matter of debate. If a patient wants to have more children in the future, some doctors opt to have the fibroids surgically removed. Discuss the ins and outs of uterine fibroid embolisation with your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
Consult an interventional radiologist in Old Airport Road if you have planned for uterine fibroid embolisation.
FAQs
-
What is the recovery period from uterine fibroid embolisation?
For the first 24 hours, the doctor will give you injections and painkillers to reduce pelvic pain and discomfort. During this time, some people discharge fibroid tissue from their vagina. Within 10 days, up to 90% of patients resume their regular activities.
-
How frequently should a uterine fibroid embolisation be performed?
Uterine fibroid embolisation is used to cure fibroids, thus the recurrence of them is very unlikely with this procedure. If your fibroids come back, they are rarely painful and the patient can again opt for the UFE.
-
Is it possible to become pregnant after having uterine fibroid embolisation?
There have been multiple cases of healthy pregnancies following uterine fibroid embolisation. However, it is important to get advice from your doctor to fully understand how UFE may affect your fertility.
