All You Need to Know About Uterine Fibroid Embolisation – A Non-Surgical Treatment for Fibroids by Gopakumar Rajan

Tiny plastic beads shrunk my agonising fibroids and saved me from a hysterectomy

Until recently, many women with fibroids - non-cancerous growths in the womb - were advised to have a hysterectomy. Sue Hutton, from Southampton, opted for an incision-free procedure called uterine fibroid embolisation.

 

Uterine fibroids are a common medical condition affecting women of all ages. These benign growths are formed within the uterus and can cause a range of symptoms such as heavy bleeding during periods, pelvic pain, frequent urination, and infertility. Traditional treatment options for fibroids include hysterectomy or myomectomy, which are invasive surgeries that can lead to significant pain and downtime.

However, there is another treatment option available for women with fibroids – Uterine Fibroid Embolisation (UFE). This non-surgical procedure involves the injection of small particles into the blood vessels that supply the fibroids, causing them to shrink and die over time.

The Procedure

UFE is a minimally invasive procedure that is typically performed in an outpatient setting under conscious sedation. The procedure begins with the insertion of a thin, flexible catheter into the femoral artery in the groin. The catheter is then guided through the artery and into the blood vessels that supply the fibroids. Small particles are then injected through the catheter, blocking off the blood supply to the fibroids and causing them to shrink and die over time.

The recovery time for UFE is typically shorter than that of traditional surgical options. Most patients are able to return to normal activities within 1-2 weeks after the procedure.

Benefits of UFE

UFE offers several benefits over traditional surgical options for fibroids, including:

1. Non-Surgical Treatment: UFE is a non-surgical procedure, which means that it does not involve any incisions or cutting into the body. This reduces the risk of complications and significantly shortens the recovery time.

2. Preservation of the Uterus: Unlike hysterectomy or myomectomy, UFE does not involve the removal of the entire uterus. This means that the patient can maintain their reproductive capabilities and will not experience the hormonal changes that can occur with a hysterectomy.

3. Improved Fibroid Symptoms: Studies have shown that UFE can significantly improve fibroid-related symptoms such as heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, and frequent urination.

4. Improved Quality of Life: UFE can lead to a significant improvement in the overall quality of life for women with fibroids. Patients can resume normal activities and regain control of their daily lives without the fear of fibroid-related symptoms.

Potential Risks

As with any medical procedure, there are some potential risks associated with UFE. These include:

1. Infection

2. Pain or discomfort

3. Allergic reaction to the particles used

4. Damage to the blood vessels or other organs

However, these risks are relatively rare, and the benefits of UFE generally outweigh the potential risks.

Conclusion

Uterine fibroid embolisation is a safe, effective, and non-surgical treatment option for women with fibroids. This minimally invasive procedure offers several benefits over traditional surgical options, including a shorter recovery time, preservation of the uterus, and improved fibroid-related symptoms. If you are suffering from fibroids, talk to your doctor today to see if UFE is the right choice for you.

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