Uterine Fibroid Embolization

Uterine fibroid embolization is a minimally-invasive, non-surgical procedure used to treat symptomatic uterine fibroids. This safe, simple procedure was approved by the FDA and reduces the bleeding, pain and other symptoms of uterine fibroids in 90% of women who undergo the treatment.

With uterine fibroid embolization, a catheter is threaded through the femoral artery to the uterus through a tiny incision. Using x-ray guidance and contrast material, the specific arteries that feed the uterine fibroid are identified and injected with small, inert particles. The particles wedge into the uterine vessels, blocking the flow of blood to the fibroid and causing the fibroid tissue to die and shrink. Multiple fibroids can be treated in the same session. This is performed under minimal sedation in about an hour.

This page contains the following information about fibroid embolization:

Reasons for Having Uterine Fibroid Embolization

Uterine fibroid embolization is used as an alternative to surgery to treat uterine fibroids and minimize their symptoms.

Women may choose fibroid embolization over surgery for one of the following reasons:

Risks Involved in Uterine Fibroid Embolization

Uterine fibroid embolization is a very safe procedure; however, there are some minimal risks.

Since a catheter is placed within the blood vessels, there is a risk of damage to a blood vessel, bruising or bleeding at the puncture site, or infection.

You could have an allergic reaction to the contrast material used during the procedure.

Two to three percent of women pass small pieces of fibroid tissue after the procedure. If this occurs, you may need to have a D & C (dilatation and curettage) to remove the tissue and prevent bleeding and infection.

It is not yet known if fibroid embolization affects fertility; however, women have had successful pregnancies after the procedure.

There is the risk of x-ray exposure; however, it is well below the level that causes adverse affects.

In approximately 1-5% of women, menopause begins shortly after fibroid embolization. However it is rare for this to occur in a woman under the age of 45.

It’s possible that fibroid embolization will not sufficiently reduce your symptoms, or that the uterus will become infected, in which case a hysterectomy may be needed. This occurs in less than 1% of cases.

Conditions to Let Our Doctor Know About

In advance of your exam, let your Invision radiologist or technician know if any of the following circumstances apply to you:

Insurance Coverage

Fibroid embolization is usually covered by insurance. Check with your insurance carrier to be sure.

Procedure Locations

Consultations for uterine fibroid embolization are done at the INVISION Vascular & Interventional Clinic.

The procedure is performed at the following INVISION partner hospitals in the Denver, Colorado area:

Please note:

INVISION is partially owned by Radiology Imaging Associates (RIA); consequently, your radiologist’s lab coat and your bill, if you receive one, may say RIA rather than INVISION.

Scheduling This Procedure

To schedule a consultation to discuss uterine fibroid embolization, call 720-493-3406.

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Preparation Guidelines

Following are the preparation guidelines for fibroid embolization. Please contact us at 720-493-3406 if you have any questions.

What to Expect During Your Procedure

Prior to the date of the procedure, you will have to receive a pelvic ultrasound and possibly a blood test. You will fill out paperwork and consent forms so the radiologist will know your medical history.

When you come in for the procedure, you will be asked to change into a gown. After answering any questions you have, a technologist will start an intravenous (IV) line in your arm. You will be given conscious sedation through the IV to help you relax. Then you will be positioned on a table. The area near the groin through which the radiologist will thread the catheter will be cleansed and given a local anesthetic.

A fluoroscope will be moved into position above your abdomen. The radiologist will make a small incision near the groin then thread the catheter through the incision into the femoral artery. Using real-time x-rays, the radiologist will guide the catheter to the location of the fibroid. The radiologist will inject contrast material into your arteries to increase their visibility as he guides the catheter. After locating the specific arteries that feed the fibroid, the radiologist will inject tiny particles through the catheter into them to block the blood flow. After treating all the known fibroids, the catheter is removed and the incision is cleaned and taped.

You should not feel any pain or discomfort during the procedure. If you do, let the radiologist know immediately.

The procedure takes 1 to 2 hours. Afterward, you will be taken to a recovery area where you will be carefully monitored. This procedure usually requires an overnight stay in the hospital.

Recovering from Your Procedure

Most women experience moderate to severe cramping and pain after the procedure, which is usually alleviated with narcotic medication while in the hospital. Some women experience nausea and fever. Fever is usually treated with acetaminophen. These side effects may last several days, but should improve rapidly.

Most women can resume light activities within a few days and return to their normal activities within ten days. Heavy bleeding often improves during the first menstrual cycle following the procedures. Other symptoms usually improve after 2-3 months.

Additional Information

The information on this page was taken in part from some of the following web sites. Visit these sites for additional information on uterine fibroid embolization.

Sources

A fluoroscope allows the radiologist to see real-time images of the catheter as he guides it through the arteries to the site of the uterine fibroid With uterine fibroid embolization, small particles are injected into the arteries that feed the fibroid, blocking its blood supply