What is Uterine Fibroid Embolisation?
Uterine Fibroid Embolisation is a short, minimally invasive procedure used to treat painful uterine fibroids by blocking off the blood flow, whilst preserving the uterus. This procedure can be an excellent choice to avoid more invasive interventions such as open surgery.
Understanding your procedure
On the day of your procedure:
When you arrive:
- Check in with reception.
- You will be taken to the procedure room and our radiologist will explain your procedure and ask for your consent.
During your procedure:
- The Interventional Radiologist will perform a fluoroscopy (real-time x-ray imaging) to investigate the uterine fibroids. This allows for the most accurate placement of the instruments used to treat the fibroids.
- The radiologist will place a needle within an artery in your groin or at your wrist to guide a small catheter to the targeted fibroid.
- Tiny particles are then injected into the blood vessel that feed the fibroid, and this causes the vein to clot. The fibroid will then shrink and die.
- We repeat this until all the blood vessels to all the fibroids have been blocked.
After your procedure:
- We will remove the catheter and bandage the point of insertion.
- You will stay in hospital overnight.
- While you are recovering you may experience pelvic pain and cramping. The Hospital staff will provide strong painkillers overnight until the pain eases off.
- We recommend being off work for about a week after the procedure.
- Do not undertake strenuous physical activity for two weeks.
- Your first period after the procedure may be early or late but should settle back into your regular pattern.