Uterine Fibroid Embolization for Fibroids

Introduction to Fibroids

The female reproductive system’s most prevalent tumour is a fibrous tumour (fibroids), which is benign more often than not; more than 99% of the time, it’s non-cancerous. Growths on the uterine wall consisting of muscle and connective tissue are known as uterine fibroids. These growths may appear on the outside of the uterus as well as inside its main chamber and uterine wall. The size, quantity, and location of fibroids in and on your uterus can vary. They might develop as a solitary nodule or as a cluster. Even though they are usually benign, they can range in size from pea-sized to softball-sized, and they can cause heavy periods, pelvic discomfort, bloating, frequent urination, and constipation.

By maintaining the uterus and reducing the fibroids without needing surgery, Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) or Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE) is a revolutionary, minimally invasive therapy that eliminates the discomfort and painful experience of surgery. This treatment is a daycare procedure, letting the patient leave the hospital on the same day.

Before the Procedure

You’ll get an explanation of the procedure from your healthcare professional. You could be asked to sign a consent document authorising the surgery. Before the treatment, you might need to have a physical test to make sure your health is good. There is often no specific preparation for Uterine Fibroid Embolisation other than what is listed below:

• At least six hours before the operation, refrain from solid food and liquids (other than water).
• Water may be consumed up to two hours before the operation.

If you are expecting a child or have a dye or iodine allergy, let your doctor know right away. A sedative and a local anaesthetic will be administered to you near the groyne area. After the procedure, you should make arrangements for someone to help around the house for a day or two.

What happens during the procedure?

You could be asked to spend the night in the hospital or have Uterine Fibroid Embolization as an outpatient. Usually, UFE goes like this:

• You receive conscious sedation or anaesthesia.
• Your hand or arm will get an IV line. Before the operation, you can receive an antibiotic prescription.
• For urine drainage, the doctor will insert a long, thin tube (catheter) into your bladder.
• Throughout the process, medical professionals will keep an eye on your breathing, blood oxygen level, heart rate, and blood pressure.
• The doctor will insert a short tube (sheath) into your groyne region to help him place the catheter in the area that has to be shut off (embolized).
• The catheter will be injected with contrast dye by the doctor.
• The doctor will insert a tiny catheter into the femoral artery in the groyne to provide extremely tiny particles to the blood vessels.
• Following the completion of the embolisation, the sheath and catheter will be removed.

To control bleeding, medical professionals will apply pressure to the groyne insertion site and do the dressing as needed. Usually, the procedure will take around 1-3 hours.

What happens after the procedure?

You will be transferred to your hospital room or discharged home as soon as your vital signs are stable and you are awake. After the surgery, your stomach can get cramps. The doctor may provide painkillers to you, or you may receive them through a machine attached to your IV line. For many days, you can have light to severe vaginal fluid leaking. In addition, you should do deep breathing and coughing exercises as directed by your doctor.

As you become able to consume more solid meals, your diet may gradually adapt to all solid meals. You’ll need to schedule a follow-up appointment with your doctor. The patient can resume normal life in a matter of 10 -12 days after receiving treatment for all numerous and big fibroids in one session.

 Complications & Risks

The following are potential risks of this procedure:

• Abnormal bleeding
• A uterine injury
• Uterine infection or groyne puncture site infection
• Collection of blood beneath the skin at the groyne puncture site
• Injury to the artery being used
• Infertility
• Menstrual cycle loss

Who is not eligible?

This procedure is not recommended for those who have an

• active pelvic infection,
• some untreatable bleeding issues,
• endometrial cancer,
• excessively big fibroids, or
• who want to preserve their fertility.

Uterine Fibroid Embolization at Apollo Hospital, Karnataka

At Apollo Hospital, Karnataka, we work with some of the world-class medical professionals; they bring years of expertise and provide evidence-based care to guarantee the finest treatment possibilities for you. Your Uterine Fibroid Embolization operation will be carried out by an interventional radiologist with the most advanced equipment & tools aided with cutting-edge infrastructure. By providing patients with the finest tailored therapies available, we are committed to using a patient-centric approach and achieving the highest success rates.