Fibroid Embolization Treatment

WHAT IS FIBROID EMBOLIZATION?

Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) is a procedure done by a radiologist. It blocks blood flow to fibroids in the uterus. (It is also called uterine artery embolization.) For women who are not planning a pregnancy in the future, UFE is a possible option in place of surgery for fibroids.

TREATMENT OVERVIEW

First, a thin, flexible tube called a catheter is placed into a blood vessel in the upper thigh (femoral artery). A substance called contrast material is then injected into the catheter. You may feel a warming sensation as it travels up to the uterus. The radiologist uses real-time X-ray on a video screen (fluoroscopy) to see the arteries and then guides the catheter to the arteries that supply blood to the fibroid. A solution of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) particles is injected into those uterine arteries through the catheter. These particles build up in the targeted arteries and block blood flow to the fibroid.

WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER TREATMENT

Uterine fibroid embolization usually takes between 1 and 3 hours, depending on how long it takes to position the catheter and how easy it is to position the catheter in the arteries in the uterus. When the procedure is over, the catheter is removed and pressure is applied to the puncture site for 10 to 15 minutes, unless there are problems with bleeding. A bandage is then applied. You can expect to have at least 6 hours of bed rest after the procedure.

You may be sent home after the bed rest period if your pain is under control, or you may spend the night in the hospital for more observation or pain control. This will depend on your radiologist’s normal practice. And it will depend on how well you do after the procedure.

Moderate to severe pelvic pain is common for 6 to 12 hours after this procedure. A stay in the hospital and narcotic pain medicine are used to control this pain, if needed. You can also ask for anti-nausea medicine if you have nausea or vomiting. Some women are able to control their pain with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen or aspirin. Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label. You may have some vaginal bleeding for a couple of weeks. This is from a fibroid that is breaking down and bleeding.

Prostate Embolization Treatment

WHAT IS THE PROSTATE?

Prostate is a gland that is located under the bladder and in front of the rectum, the urethra passes through it on its way to the penis. At the age of fifty about 50% of all males will have enlargement of the prostate. in a teenager the prostate is the size of a walnut and can grow up to an apple size and in some people to about the size of a few apples.

WHAT IS BENIGN PROSTATIC HYPERTROPHY?

The prostate enlarges with age and this benign prostatic hypertrophy (bph) is not a cancer. Most of its problems are caused by its obstruction of the urethra (urinary pipe). Embolization process the major vessels supplying the lower leg (femoral artery) is punctures with a small 1.5mm needle to introduce a catheter (thin tubing with a central opening) The catheter will be used to introduce blocking particles into the blood vessel that supply the prostate.

WHAT HAPPENS BEFORE THE PROCEDURE?

Patient will be admitted on the morning of the procedure having had the last meal about 8hours ago. Patient will be prepared for theater in the ward. The procedure takes about 30 minutes to about two hours as patients are all different. Patient will be provided with pain medication, antibiotics anti-inflammatory and anti-vomiting medication through-out the procedures to ensure comfort. Other investigations that may be performed include an Ultrasound and or an MRI, (FBC) full blood count.