The Uterine Fibroid Embolisation Procedure
During the Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) Procedure an interventional radiologist inserts a thin catheter into the femoral artery through an extremely small incision in the groin area. They then use real-time imaging to guide a micro-catheter into the uterine arteries that supply blood to the fibroids. Tiny particles are then released through the catheter and occlude the blood supply to the tumours, which in turn causes the fibroids to shrink.
Why Choose Uterine Fibroid Embolisation
Uterine Fibroid Embolization Treatment is tailored to the individual patient and typically requires a hospital stay of at least one night. The vast majority of all women who undergo the procedure experience significant or total relief of fibroid related symptoms. The recurrence of fibroids after Uterine Fibroid Embolization is very low. This procedure can only be undertaken in a hospital with a specially equipped angiographic theatre by an interventional radio1ogist such as Dr Sithole, who has undergone the appropriate specialist medical training. The patient can choose whether to be awake, sedated or asleep during the Uterine Fibroid Embolization Procedure.
Post Uterine Fibroid Embolisation
Although the UFE procedure is Invasive, patients can usually return to work and normal activity after about 10 days after embolization. The following symptoms might occur after undergoing the procedure:
- Bleeding from the uterus stops almost immediately.
- A dull ache in the lower abdomen is usually the only sign that the patient has had a medical procedure. This is due to the arteries supplying the fibroid shutting down. This pain is easily controlled with medication and disappears over a short period of time.
- The skin incision used to perform the embolization is so small that there is no need for stitches and is usually invisible within a few weeks.
- The patient will go home as soon as she is comfortable and pain free which is most often within 1 or 2 days.