How is uterine artery embolization performed?

How is uterine artery embolization performed?

The procedure involves inserting a catheter through the groin, maneuvering it through the uterine artery, and injecting the embolic agent into the arteries that supply blood to the uterus and fibroids. As the fibroids die and begin to shrink, the uterus fully recovers.

Is uterine artery embolization painful?

The most significant pain usually occurs immediately following the procedure and over the next six hours. Patients report that this pain is similar to menstrual cramps. Some patients experience no pain. Patients usually stay overnight in the hospital, so that the arterial access site and your pain are monitored.

How much do fibroids shrink after embolization?

How much do fibroids shrink after UFE? Fibroids shrink by 40% to 75% in the first 6 months after UFE, and continue to shrink over longer periods of time. This reduction in fibroid size causes the uterus to shrink by 26% to 59%,³ which is why UFE is effective in alleviating fibroid symptoms.

How is a UAE performed?

Definition. Uterine artery embolization (UAE) is a procedure to treat fibroids without surgery. Instead, the doctor (a radiologist) uses special imaging methods to treat your uterine fibroids. During the procedure, the blood supply of the fibroids is cut off, causing the fibroids to shrink.

How do you feel after uterine artery embolization?

Your Recovery You can expect to feel better each day after the procedure. But you may get tired quickly and need pain medicine for several days. You may have mild to severe cramps for several days after uterine fibroid embolization. You may also have mild nausea or a low fever for 4 or 5 days.

Can new fibroids grow after embolization?

In addition to hysterectomy, myomectomy, the surgical removal of the fibroids, is often recommended to relieve their fibroid symptoms. Typically, however, the more fibroids a patient has, the less successful the myomectomy. Additionally, fibroids grow back several years after the surgery in 10 to 30 percent of cases.

What is the largest fibroid ever removed?

The largest fibroid ever reported weighed 140 lbs. (63.3 kg) and was removed from a patient postmortem in 1888, according to the case report. Among patients who survived the procedure, the largest fibroid ever removed weighed 100 lbs. (45.5 kg), the report said.

What is the difference between UFE and UAE?

UAE applies generically to any procedure where the uterine arteries are embolized, such as for emergency post-partum or post-operative bleeding, or in this case, electively for fibroids. UFE applies specifically to embolizing the uterine arteries for the purpose of treating symptomatic fibroids.

Why is there so much pain after UFE?

We want to be contacted if you experience any unpleasant side effects not relieved by your discharge medications, especially fever, cramps, abdominal pain and/or vaginal discharge. These could indicate an infection. It is not uncommon to experience a change in your menstrual periods after the procedure.

Is UFE a major surgery?

What is uterine fibroid embolization (UFE)? Uterine fibroid embolization is a minimally-invasive alternative to hysterectomy or myomectomy. Performed instead of major surgery, this procedure requires minimal or no hospital stay and a shorter recovery.

Is UFE safer than hysterectomy?

After UFE, fibroids are reduced in size by 42% to 83%. Patients’ satisfaction with the procedure is high (>90%), and UFE is safe and has a low rate of major complications (1.25%). When compared with hysterectomy, UFE is associated with fewer major complications, shorterhospital stays, and faster recovery.