What is Uterine Fibroid Embolization?
Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous (benign) tumors, commonly seen in women of childbearing age. Fibroids are composed of muscle cells and other tissues. They develop in and around the wall of the uterus or womb. Uterine fibroids are usually round or semi-round in shape. Uterine fibroid embolization is a minimally invasive procedure in which the blood supply to the fibroid area is blocked by injecting tiny particles into the supplying arteries. This reduces the size of the fibroids to relieve symptoms.
Indications for Uterine Fibroid Embolization
Your doctor may recommend this procedure if you have fibroids causing:
- Anemia from uterine bleeding
- An enlarged uterus
- Infertility
- Bladder pressure that makes you feel the need to urinate often
- Pressure on the bowel causing bloating and constipation
- Pain during sex
- Pain in your back or legs
Preparation for Uterine Fibroid Embolization
Pre-procedure preparation for uterine fibroid embolization may involve the following steps:
- A written consent will be obtained from you seeking permission to do the procedure. You can clarify if you have any doubts about it.
- Your doctor may order blood tests or other tests as well as a physical examination before the procedure to make sure you are in good health.
- You will be asked if you have allergies to any specific medications or contrast dye or local and general anesthesia.
- You should inform your doctor of any medications, vitamins, or supplements that you are taking.
- You may be asked to refrain from certain supplements or medications for some days prior to the procedure.
- You may be asked not to eat or drink anything before the procedure.
- You may be instructed to shower with an antibacterial soap on the morning prior to the procedure to reduce the risk of infection.
- Arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure.
How is Uterine Fibroid Embolization Performed?
The procedure usually takes about an hour or two and is performed by an interventional radiologist, rather than a surgeon, and generally involves the following steps:
- You will lie flat on your back on the procedure table.
- The interventional radiologist will administer local anesthetic, antibiotics and pain medications to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure.
- The radiologist then makes a small cut in the groin region to access the femoral artery and meticulously inserts a catheter into the artery.
- This is followed by injection of contrast material into the artery via the catheter to visualize the artery on imaging to examine the blood supply to the fibroids.
- Using image guidance such as fluoroscopy (X-ray video), your physician guides the catheter through the artery to the uterus and injects a fluid with tiny plastic particles the size of grains of sand to plug up the arteries in order to block or reduce blood flow and causes the tumor (or tumors) to shrink.
- Your physician will then move the catheter to the other side of the artery to treat it by repeating the same steps.
- Following this procedure, the fibroid will start to shrink, alleviating and relieving your symptoms within days of the procedure.
- After completion of the procedure, the catheter is withdrawn, and the groin site is covered with a bandage.
What are the Risks and Complications of Uterine Fibroid Embolization?
Uterine fibroid embolization is a relatively safe procedure; however, as with any minimally invasive procedure, some risks and complications may occur, such as:
- Uterus infection or the puncture site in the groin
- Abnormal bleeding
- Bruising in the groin
- Damage to other organs
- Pain, fever, nausea, or vomiting
- Blood clots
- Pelvic pain and cramping