21 Nov 2018
Embolization10 THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT UFE PART 1
I have heard that uterine fibroid embolization hurts.
1. What kind of pain can I expect during and after the procedure?
During the procedure you will be under conscious sedation. Pain occurs after the procedure is done and varies from woman to woman. The pain is typically crampy like a menstrual period and can be very light to quite severe. It commonly begins minutes after the procedure is complete and is most intense the first night. This discomfort usually lasts 1-3 days. Medications are available to help control pain.
2. What causes pain after uterine fibroid embolization?
Uterine fibroid embolization works by blocking blood flow to the fibroids, causing the tumors to die. This is accomplished by injecting an embolic agent, such as tiny microbeads, into the uterine arteries that supply blood to the fibroids. Without a blood supply, the fibroids die and pain ensues.
3. What is the embolic agent used in UFE and is it safe?
The embolic material I use in my practice is made up of tiny biocompatible beads, which means they don't react in the body. This type of embolic material, microspheres, has been used for more than two decades in many types of embolization procedures in different parts of the body.
4. I am worried that these particles will travel to other places in my body. Is that possible?
The embolic material is delivered to the uterine artery through a thin tube called a catheter. The tip of the catheter is placed inside the uterine artery, and the particles travel through the bloodstream to the uterus. The only way particles can go anywhere else in the pelvis is if the catheter tip is not in the correct position or if more embolic is injected than necessary. If not done correctly, reflux can occur, which means particles move backwards and into other arteries in the pelvis, such as the bladder. This complication is very rare and has more to do with the experience of the doctor performing the procedure.
5. Is it safe for fibroids to die inside my uterus?
Embolizing fibroids causes them to shrink and die over time. This is what leads to improved symptoms. Before treatment, fibroids feel hard, so a common symptom is pelvic pressure. Once fibroids are treated, even without a significant change in size, they become softer. They no longer press on other organs or cause a woman's belly to protrude. Fibroids can shrink up to 50%.
Occasionally, fibroids die on their own without any treatment. This can be seen on an MRI scan, and will look the same as when fibroids are imaged after non-surgical fibroid embolization and there are usually no problems related to having these types of fibroids in the uterus.