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Uterine artery embolization (UAE) is a procedure where an interventional radiologist uses a catheter to deliver small particles that block the blood supply to the uterine body. If the procedure is done for the treatment of uterine fibroids it is also called Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE).

Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) is a minimally invasive treatment for fibroid tumors of the uterus. The procedure is also sometimes referred to as Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE), but this term is less specific and, as will be discussed below, UAE is used for conditions other than fibroids.

Fibroid tumors, also known as myomas, are benign tumors that arise from the muscular wall of the uterus. It is extremely rare for them to turn cancerous. More commonly, they cause heavy menstrual bleeding, pain in the pelvic region, and pressure on the bladder or bowel.

In a UFE procedure, physicians use an x-ray camera called a fluoroscope to guide the delivery of small particles to the uterus and fibroids. The small particles are injected through a thin, flexible tube called a catheter. These block the arteries that provide blood flow, causing the fibroids to shrink. Nearly 90 percent of women with fibroids experience relief of their symptoms.

Because the effect of uterine fibroid embolization on fertility is not fully understood, UFE is typically offered to women who no longer wish to become pregnant or who want or need to avoid having a hysterectomy, which is the operation to remove the uterus.

Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) is a minimally invasive treatment for fibroid tumors of the uterus. The procedure is also sometimes referred to as Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE), but this term is less specific and, as will be discussed below, UAE is used for conditions other than fibroids.

Fibroid tumors, also known as myomas, are benign tumors that arise from the muscular wall of the uterus. It is extremely rare for them to turn cancerous. More commonly, they cause heavy menstrual bleeding, pain in the pelvic region, and pressure on the bladder or bowel.

In a UFE procedure, physicians use an x-ray camera called a fluoroscope to guide the delivery of small particles to the uterus and fibroids. The small particles are injected through a thin, flexible tube called a catheter. These block the arteries that provide blood flow, causing the fibroids to shrink. Nearly 90 percent of women with fibroids experience relief of their symptoms.

Because the effect of uterine fibroid embolization on fertility is not fully understood, UFE is typically offered to women who no longer wish to become pregnant or who want or need to avoid having a hysterectomy, which is the operation to remove the uterus.

Under local anesthesia a catheter is introduced into the femoral artery at the groin and advanced under radiographic control retrograde into the uterine arterty. There microparticules (spheres or beads) are released which will block the vessel. Due to collaterals the uterus will not necrose even if both arteries are occluded. The procedure is not a surgical intervention and allows the uterus to be kept in place.

This intervention can be used to relieve the main symptoms related to uterine fibromata (including excessive vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain and compression). This intervention can be proposed as an alternative to surgery in case of symptoms related to uterine fibroids. It is performed by interventional radiologists. UAE can also be used to control heavy uterine bleeding for other reasons than fibroids, i.e. in cases of postpartum obstetrical hemorrhage.

Uterine Artery Embolization is Less Invasive

Although a myomectomy, which is a surgical operation that entails tumor removal from the uterus, could be done to address uterine fibroids, UAE is often considered as an alternative treatment for this. This is because it is a non-surgical operation that only calls for minimal invasiveness as a procedure.

Because uterine fibroids require blood supply in order to develop and flourish, uterine artery embolization is done with a focus on the arterial system. The doctor will determine the uterine arteries before he will proceed with the treatment. This is usually done through an x-ray followed by tiny particles injected into the arteries that supply blood to the fibroids.

The particles injected will impede the blood flow to the fibroids thus stopping excessive bleeding. This will also cause the shrinking of the fibroids over a period of time.

Disadvantages of Uterine Artery Embolization

In studies performed to determine the effects of uterine artery embolization, researchers found that while this procedure might be safe for some patients, it required additional surgery for others. There are also women whose symptoms returned five years after the procedure was done.

Another complication that was noted with having a uterine artery embolization is that it can bring on heavy vaginal bleeding. There was a study that showed women who had abnormal bleeding after going through the operation to have their intramural fibroids treated. When an endometrial biopsy was done, it was discovered that these women had necrotic fibroids, which happens when the tissues died because of a lack of blood supplied to the arteries.

After a while, the women were diagnosed of having a septic uterus, thus requiring hysterectomy. Because of this study, it was concluded by doctors that while uterine artery embolization might be safe, it still carries a high risk for infection, especially when done to correct intramural fibroids that are found near the uterine lining. This is because dead tissue is usually what attracts the development of bacteria.

If you are considering a uterine artery embolization for treating fibroid tumors, it is best to first have consultations with your doctor about other options and the possible complications that might arise from the procedure. It is important that you understand the risks involved, so you are making an informed decision.