What happens to the health of the uterus during uterine fibroid embolization? As a rule, all parts of the uterus remain intact after the embolization.
Have you heard of uterine fibroid embolization side effects?
Do the injected plastic beads have any uterine fibroid embolization side effects? The plastic beads we use (400, 700, 900) have been specially developed for uterine fibroid embolization and have a so-called nano-coating on the surface, almost eliminating the likelihood of side effects from this material.
Why does the UFE have to be x-rayed?
Only with the use of X-rays is it possible for us to find our way through the vessels to the uterus correctly in the so-called angiographic representation and also to be able to check exactly when the embolization can be ended entirely.
Where is uterine fibroid embolization carried out?
Uterine fibroid embolization is performed at a specialized USA Fibroids Center with a high level of expertise in catheter and embolization techniques. Furthermore, it makes sense to carry this out in cooperation with a radiologist department.
How long does the procedure take?
In principle, the uterine fibroid embolization procedure itself is simple and quick. Ultimately, the duration depends on how easy it is to probe the vessels and how much embolic material needs to be used. It can be assumed that a patient is on the treatment table between 45 and 90 minutes.
How long does the aftercare last?
(Fatigue/tiredness for a phase of up to 2 weeks, possible discharge, and period-like pain treated with painkillers).
As a rule, an inpatient stay of 2 to 4 days, including adequate pain therapy, is necessary. This is usually followed by a phase of 5 to 10 days of marked exhaustion with a feeling of illness similar to the flu. If necessary, the administration of light painkillers is also required here. However, when leaving the hospital, complete physical integrity is carried out.
Is the treatment for uterine fibroid embolization painful?
The treatment itself is not painful; the local anesthetic is the only “pain” felt during the treatment. After the embolization, however, the uterus will tend to cramp. Therefore, adequate pain therapy makes sense, which is usually established before the start of treatment so as not to miss any cramps that appear at the end of the treatment. Do you want to know the uterine fibroid embolization cost?
If so, why and what is being done about it?
As we said, temporary cramps occur in the uterus, which has to do with the fact that the uterus itself creates a blood supply again via capillary networks in the lower abdomen. During this phase, the cramps already described occur. And as already mentioned, adequate pain therapy is carried out. In principle, this can be done using a peridural catheter or patient-controlled pain medication (pain pump).
What are uterine fibroid embolization side effects?
The main uterine fibroid embolization side effect is the phase of tiredness and exhaustion that lasts about one week, as already described. Occasionally there is also slight vaginal bleeding during this time, which occurs above all when the fibroids being treated are close to the mucous membrane inside the uterus. Overall, complications are infrequent. A late infection in a treated fibroid is the most serious, which can still develop weeks later. However, the probability of this is in the per thousand range and can then make it necessary to remove the uterus in about 1 in 500 patients treated.
Other side effects mainly include effects on menstruation. Patients under 45 have a 1 to 2% chance of menopause after treatment. In women over 45, the probability ranges from about 5 to 7%.
Schedule an appointment with our USA Fibroids Center team to determine the cost of uterine fibroid embolization.
