Uterine Fibroids or Leiomyomas are benign (non-cancerous) growths very commonly found in the uterus. These are often found on ultrasound or other investigation, and may not cause any problems. However, in many patients, fibroids can cause symptoms like heavy bleeding during periods, pain in the abdomen, or pressure on the urinary bladder with frequent urination and constipation In such a situation, treatment may be necessary.
Fibroids are not cancer, and are harmless in many patients. In most case they cause problems when they become large. In uterine artery embolisation — also called uterine fibroid embolisation — a doctor uses a slender, flexible tube (catheter) to inject small particles (embolic agents) into the uterine arteries, which supply blood to your fibroids and uterus. The goal is to block the fibroid blood vessels, starving the fibroids and causing them to shrink and die. It is an effective alternative to an operation. It has been in use for more than 15 years. It is an approved procedure by the National Health Service of UK and FDA in the USA, as well is in most developed countries around the world.
What are the risks?
Fibroid embolization has a good safety record over 20 years. Complications are uncommon.
Occasionally a swelling may develop at the needle entry site. This does not usually need treatment. With the current technique of access from the artery in the left wrist, this is very rare.
The main effect is that of severe cramping pain which occurs in the first 12 hours in most patients. This is controlled by drugs or local injections, and usually does no last beyond 24 hours.
Slight fever may occur, but is usually short lasting and easily treated. This is because of the fibroid breaking down and is not indicative of any problem.
Some patients may get a discharge from the vagina. This may in some cases persist for weeks. Rarely a few pieces of the fibroid may be passed with the discharge.
The serious complication is infection, as in surgeries. This is uncommon, and has been reported in 1 out of 200 women. The presence of persistent severe pain, fever, foul smelling discharge may indicate infection. This is treated by antibiotics, and minor surgical procedures. In very rare cases removal of the uterus has been done.
Regular menstruation may be lost in some patients, and may take upto 3-6 months to resume.
Women near menopause may experience early menopause after embolization.