Treatments we provide
Uterine Fibroid Embolisation
Uterine fibroid embolisation is a low-risk minimally invasive image-guided procedure that treats fibroids by blocking their blood supply. Fibroids rely on a continuous supply of blood from the uterine arteries to maintain their size and continue to grow. By removing the fibroids blood supply, the fibroids shrink and die. All uterine fibroids are treated in a single treatment and the normal uterine anatomy is preserved. Over 90% of women who undergo uterine fibroid embolisation experience either reduced symptoms or complete resolution of their fibroid related symptoms.
How is the procedure performed?
Uterine Fibroid Embolisation is generally performed under local anaesthetic and sedation. A tiny catheter inserted through the wrist or groin will be guided using x-ray guidance into the uterine artery. The arteries supplying the fibroids with blood will be injected with tiny particles that reduce their blood flow, and over time causes them to shrink. There is no scarring and the procedure itself can take as little as 90 minutes.
You will be required to stay overnight in hospital following the procedure. Providing you are feeling well, and your pain is being managed, you can go home the following morning.
What are the advantages of Uterine Fibroid Embolisation?
Your doctor may have determined uterine fibroid embolisation to be the most suitable treatment option. It has the following benefits when compared with traditional invasive surgical management of fibroids:
- Safe treatment: Clinical studies and evidence have shown that when comparing uterine fibroid embolisation to other surgical fibroid treatment options, the risk of major complications is lower for uterine fibroid embolisation.
- Effective: Clinical studies have shown that 90% of women have long-lasting relief from their fibroid symptoms after uterine fibroid embolisation.
- Preserves the uterus.
- Further treatment options remain: Surgical options are still possible following uterine fibroid embolisation if symptoms persist.
- Fertility is preserved and may be improved.
- Fast recovery: Home after 1 night. Back to normal after approximately 2.5 weeks.
Risks
Uterine fibroid embolisation is a low-risk procedure. However, there are small risks of several complications including:
- Access site haematoma
- Infection – although uncommon there is a small risk of infection associated with the procedure. If you experience a high temperature, a smelly discharge or an increase in pain then it is important to get contact with us.
- Hysterectomy – in the very rare case the UFE leads to infection or complications requiring the uterus to be removed, this will prevent you from having children though this is uncommon
- Ovarian failure / early menopause – Normal periods usually restart at 3-4 months. Very occasionally periods may stop altogether due ovarian failure or early menopause. This is a rare a complication, occurring in less than 0.5% of patients and almost always in patients over 45 years old.
Recovery
For the first two weeks after uterine fibroid embolisation, most patients have cramping pains which are controlled with pain relief tablets. It is also common for pat ]ients to feel tired and have a low-grade fever. Some vaginal bleeding or brown discharge may occur for a few weeks. Most patients feel ‘back to normal approximately 2½ weeks after the procedure.