Uterine Artery Embolization

Women have a choice. A Hysterectomy is not your only option.

What are uterine fibroids?
Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in the muscular wall of the uterus. Fibroids are considered to be benign tumors that do not always cause symptoms, but their size and location can lead to pain, a feeling of fullness, and heavy bleeding, as well as multiple other symptoms.

How are fibroids treated?
Only when a fibroid causes symptoms is it necessary to treat them. Hormonal therapy is often the first step in the treatment. This might be in the form of birth control pills, or the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Fibroids often grow back after this therapy is discontinued. The next step is to try procedural therapy. The most common treatment options include uterine artery embolization; myomectomy, a surgical procedure for the removal of the fibroid; or hysterectomy, removal of the uterus.

What is uterine artery embolization?
Uterine artery embolization (UAE) is a minimally invasive procedure done under fluoroscopy (a moving x-ray) by an interventional radiologist. An intravenous line will be placed for hydration and medication. The interventional radiologist then makes a tiny nick in the skin in the groin while the patient is conscious but sedated (drowsy) and feeling no pain. The interventional radiologist will then insert a catheter into the artery and guides it to the uterus while monitoring its progress using fluoroscopy. Tiny particles the size of grains of sand are injected into the artery that is supplying blood to the fibroid tumor, cutting off the blood flow and causing the fibroid to shrink.

What should I expect after the procedure?
Fibroid embolization usually is done as a same day procedure. Intravenous medications will be prescribed to control symptoms that may result for some patients, such as pain, nausea, or a fever. Pain is controlled by medications given during and after the procedure. Fever sometimes occurs with embolization and is usually treated with Tylenol. Patients are given medications for the recovery period which usually lasts seven days. Most patients return to work one week after the procedure.

How successful is the fibroid embolization procedure?
As of 2007, approximately 7,000 – 8,000 patients have had this procedure worldwide. Initial results suggest that symptoms will be improved in 90 percent of patients with the large majority of patients markedly improved. Most patients experience significant or total relief of heavy bleeding, pain, and other symptoms. Although more research is necessary for long-term outcomes, one study has shown no regrowth after six years.

What are the risks of uterine artery embolization?
Uterine artery embolization is very safe, but there are some risks as with most medical procedures. Most women have moderate cramps for the first 6-24 hours after the procedure. Some women have nausea and fever. Medication can help control these symptoms. A single dose of antibiotics is administered prior to the procedures. The patient takes oral medication for seven days after the procedure because a small number of women have experienced infection after the procedure which requires additional antibiotics. A small number of women have entered into menopause after the procedure. When this occurs, it is usually in women in their mid-forties or older who may already be nearing menopause. The risks are less than those following a hysterectomy or myomectomy.

Will my fertility be affected?
A recent study comparing the fertility of women who had uterine artery embolizations with those who had a myomectomy showed similar numbers of successful pregnancies for both groups. The long-term effect of uterine artery embolization on the ability of a woman to have children has not been fully determined.

How do I schedule a uterine embolization?
Prior to making an appointment for your UAE procedure, you will need to have an MRI of your pelvis. This will determine the exact location and number of your fibroids on the uterus. There are a small percentage of fibroids that cannot be treated with embolization. The MRI will determine this. After the MRI you will see our interventional radiologist. At this time, the doctor will discuss any questions you have regarding the embolization procedure.

You will need a prescription for an MRI of the pelvis from your doctor.

You may call 732-530-2525 to schedule your MRI at Riverview.

Once that appointment is made, call 732-530-2304 to set up your consultation appointment.

For more information about Uterine Artery Embolization, or if you have questions about Riverview's Diagnostic Imaging Center, please call 732-530-2304.