Uterine Fibroid Embolization

 

 

Uterine Fibroid Embolization

Uterine artery embolization is a safe and highly effective technique accepted as a method for treating uterine fibroid tumors.

 

• Advantages of Embolization:

• No side effects from medications that may be present in medical treatments for fibroids.
• Avoidance of physical trauma caused by surgery.
• Effective treatment of fibroids in most cases.
• Return to normal activity within a maximum of 48 hours in most cases.

 

What Are the Symptoms of Embolization?

Uterine fibroids are usually asymptomatic. However, they can cause pelvic pain, increased vaginal bleeding, infertility, constipation, urinary frequency, and back pain.In most countries, 50% of abdominal hysterectomy cases are due to symptomatic fibroids. Uterine artery embolization can serve as an alternative method. Decreased sexual function, depression, and increased incidence of cardiovascular diseases have been observed following hysterectomy. There are also surgical methods that preserve the uterus, including myomectomy, myolysis via hysteroscopy, and endometrial ablation.

 

Patient Selection

Ideal patients for uterine artery embolization are those who have developed symptoms due to fibroids and do not wish to undergo hysterectomy. For women who wish to become pregnant, the classic treatment is myomectomy. The effect of uterine artery embolization on reducing miscarriage rates due to fibroids or causing infertility is under investigation, but preliminary studies indicate that normal pregnancy cases have been observed in patients with a history of miscarriage after uterine artery embolization.

 

Technique of Embolization

Using fine catheters, the uterine artery is selectively catheterized, and PVA particles are injected into the vascular bed of the mentioned fibroid. Given that the diameter of the vessels supplying the fibroid is significantly larger compared to the normal myometrial vessels, the PVA particles block the vascular bed of the fibroid without damaging the normal uterine vascular bed. This ischemia leads to the atrophy of fibromatous lesions. Feel free to ask if you need any further assistance!