Home Blog Empowering Women: A Comprehensive Guide to Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE)

Blog

Empowering Women: A Comprehensive Guide to Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE)

21 March 2024

Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE)

Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE) is a minimally invasive treatment option for women suffering from symptomatic uterine fibroids. This procedure, also known as Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE), has emerged as a viable alternative to traditional surgical methods such as hysterectomy or myomectomy. It offers a less invasive approach with significant benefits including shorter recovery times and preservation of the uterus. In this blog, we’ll dive deep into what UAE involves, its benefits, potential risks, and what to expect during and after the procedure.

Understanding Uterine Fibroids

Before delving into UAE, it’s crucial to understand uterine fibroids. These non-cancerous growths develop in the muscular wall of the uterus. While they are often asymptomatic, in some cases, they can cause heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, and pressure symptoms, significantly impacting a woman’s quality of life.

What is Uterine Artery Embolization?

UAE is a procedure performed by an interventional radiologist. It involves making a small incision in the skin, usually at the groin or wrist, to insert a catheter into the femoral artery. Using imaging guidance, the catheter is navigated to the uterine arteries that supply blood to the fibroids. Tiny particles are then injected through the catheter into these arteries to block the blood flow to the fibroids, causing them to shrink and symptoms to improve.

Benefits of UAE

Minimally Invasive: Unlike surgical options that require incisions and longer hospital stays, UAE is minimally invasive, typically performed under local anesthesia with sedation.

Preservation of the Uterus: UAE offers women the chance to treat fibroids without removing the uterus, an important consideration for those who wish to maintain fertility.

Shorter Recovery Time: Recovery from UAE is generally faster than from surgery, with most women returning to normal activities within a week or two.

Symptom Relief: Many women experience significant relief from fibroid symptoms after undergoing UAE.

Potential Risks and Complications

While UAE is generally safe, it’s not without risks. Potential complications include:

Infection
Premature menopause, especially in women over 45
Non-target embolization, where particles block blood flow to other areas unintentionally
Persistent symptoms or regrowth of fibroids in some cases

What to Expect During and After UAE

During the Procedure: The procedure usually takes about 90 minutes. Patients may feel some discomfort, but pain management options are available to mitigate this.

After the Procedure: It’s common to experience abdominal cramps and low-grade fever post-UAE. These symptoms are typically managed with medications and usually subside within a few days. Most women can expect to stay in the hospital overnight for observation.

Recovery and Follow-Up

Recovery varies from person to person, but most can resume light activities within a few days and return to work within two weeks. Follow-up appointments are essential to monitor the fibroids’ response to the treatment.

Conclusion

Uterine Artery Embolization offers a promising alternative for women seeking relief from the discomfort and complications of uterine fibroids. It combines the benefits of a less invasive procedure with effective symptom management, making it an attractive option for many. However, it’s essential to consult with healthcare providers to understand the risks and determine if UAE is the right choice based on individual health conditions and reproductive goals.

Our Doctors

Dedicated IR Center for Vascular Problems in Madhya Pradesh

DR. SHAILESH GUPTA
MD, PDCC (INTERVENTIONAL RADIOLOGY) Consultant & Co-Director CVIC (Center Of Vascular & Interventional Care)

DR. ALOK KUMAR UDIYA
MD Radiology, PDCC (Neurointervention Radiology), PDCC ( HPB Intervention Radiology) FINR (Switzerland) & EBIR
Endovascular Surgeon & Consultant Interventional Neuroradiologist at Care CHL Hospital, Indore Co-director CVIC( center for vascular and interventional care)https://interventionradiologyindore.com/

DR. NISHANT BHARGAVA
Consultant Intervention Radiologist
MD Radiology, PDCC ( Neurointervention Radiology), FINR ( Fellowship in Neurointervention Radiology)
Co-director CVIC(Center for Vascular and Interventional Care)