Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths in the uterus that can cause heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, and other uncomfortable symptoms. While there are several treatment options available, two of the most common ones are hysterectomy and uterine fibroid embolization (UFE). Hysterectomy has few potential disadvantages which are listed below.
Infertility: For many young women with fibroids, hysterectomy which involves removal of the uterus prevent them from having children in future, which is a major disadvantage. For them UFE may be a better option as it preserves the uterus.
Surgical procedure: Hysterectomy is a major surgery that involves removing the entire uterus and can have significant long-term consequences. In contrast, UFE is a minimally invasive procedure that does not involve surgery. Instead, a small catheter is inserted into the arteries that supply blood to the fibroids, and tiny particles are injected to block the blood flow. Without a blood supply, the fibroids shrink and symptoms improve.
Hormonal changes: Removing the uterus can cause hormonal changes in the body that can lead to menopause or menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness. This can be especially challenging for women who have not yet gone through menopause.
Emotional effects: Hysterectomy can be a major life change, and some women may experience feelings of loss, depression, or anxiety after the surgery. These emotional effects can be compounded by the hormonal changes that may occur.
Long recovery time: Recovery from a hysterectomy can take several weeks or even months. However, UFE requires only a short hospital stay and has a much shorter recovery time compared to hysterectomy. Most women can return to normal activities within one to two weeks.
Not effective for multiple fibroids
A hysterectomy may be more appropriate for women with a single, large fibroid.
UFE can be an effective treatment option for women with multiple fibroids. Another advantage for UFE is its repeatability if new fibroids develop in the future.
In this article, we will give an overview of the UFE Procedure:
Patient Preparation: Before the procedure, the patient will have a consultation with the interventional radiologist to discuss the procedure and address any questions or concerns. The patient may need to stop taking certain medications or alter their diet before the procedure.
Anesthesia: Local anesthesia is administered to numb the area where catheter will be inserted.
Insertion of Catheter: An interventional radiologist will make a tiny cut in the skin in the groin area. Using X- ray assistance and periodic injections of a contrast material, a tube called catheter is inserted.
Embolization: Catheter is guided to the fibroid’s blood supply where small particles are released. Once the catheter is in position, the interventional radiologist will inject small particles, called embolic agents, into the blood vessels that supply the fibroids with blood. These embolic agents float downstream and block the small blood vessels to deprive the fibroid of nutrients. Once the arteries that provide the blood flow are blocked, fibroids begin to soften, bleeding less, and starting to shrink.
Recovery: After the procedure, the patient will be taken to a recovery area for monitoring. The patient may experience some cramping or discomfort, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication or prescription medication as prescribed by their doctor.
Follow-up: The patient will have a follow-up appointment with the interventional radiologist to assess the success of the procedure and address any concerns or questions.
Talk to our experts at Avis Vascular Center to know more about how you can benefit from the treatment.
Uterine Fibroids Treatment in Hyderabad
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