Embolization for uterine myoma
Uterine artery embolization for uterine myoma is a modern, minimally invasive, effective method of uterine myoma treatment.
Uterine artery embolization for uterine myomas is a modern, minimally invasive, and effective method of treating uterine fibroids. Uterine myoma (leiomyoma, fibromyoma) is the most common benign tumor in women. Unfortunately, during the last decades, fibroids are increasingly detected in young women, which prompts the search for organ-preserving treatment methods instead of the traditional one – removal of the uterus.
The most frequent symptoms of fibroids are excessive menstruation or uterine bleeding, pain in the lower abdomen, frequent urination, a feeling of pressure on the rectum, and infertility.
What is uterine artery embolization?
This is a modern, minimally invasive, effective method of treating uterine fibroids. It was first used in the mid-1990s as a preoperative procedure. Later, embolization proved to be a self-sufficient method of treatment and it began to be used more and more widely in treating fibroids. The decision about the need to treat myoma and the choice of embolization as a treatment method is made jointly by a gynecologist and an interventional radiologist in each specific case. Additional preoperative examinations are most often ultrasonography, histology of the endometrium, in some cases – MRI of the pelvic organs.
How is uterine artery embolization performed?
This is a minimally invasive intervention that does not require general anesthesia and is performed in the X-ray operating room. Under local anesthesia, the doctor inserts a special thin catheter (plastic tube) into the arterial channel through a small puncture of the skin and, under X-ray control, passes it alternately into both uterine arteries. Next, special materials are introduced through it, which clog the arterial branches feeding the fibroid (or fibroids). After completing the intervention, a pressure bandage is applied to the puncture site for 8-12 hours.
What happens after embolization?
After embolization, as a rule, the so-called post-embolization syndrome occurs, which is manifested primarily by pain in the lower abdomen and requires additional analgesia. It usually lasts 6-8 hours. As a result, fibroid nodes necrotize (die) and are replaced by connective tissue decreasing in size. This process lasts up to a year. Sometimes, if the node is located close to the inner surface of the uterus, it can separate and come out during the next menstruation. After embolization, symptoms disappear in 90-95% of cases, and the volume of nodes decreases by 50-55%.
Лікарі
Часті питання
- You can wear whatever you want when going to the hospital. During the procedure, you
- will be dressed in a hospital gown.
- Leave your valuables at home.
- One day before the arranged date, your doctor or nurse will tell you what you can and сan eat or drink before the procedure.
- Ask your doctor what medications you should take on the day of the procedure.
- Tell your doctor and/or nurses if you are allergic to anything.
- injected during the procedure.
- The procedure is performed in the X-ray operating room. This room is cool and dimly lit.
- You will lie on a special table above which you will see a large camera and several
- monitors.
- When the contrast medium is injected, you may feel heat or notice redness for a few
- seconds. This is normal – these sensations will quickly disappear.
- Catheters and an introducer are removed from the blood vessel. The doctor will press
- the puncture site with a finger and apply a compression bandage.
- The nurse will check your bandage regularly to prevent bleeding.
- After a puncture in the leg, you need to lie in bed for several hours.
- The puncture site may be sensitive.
- You will need to drink plenty of fluid to clear the contrast material from your body.
