Uterine Fibroid Embolisation

Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat uterine fibroids, which are non-cancerous growths that develop in the uterus. During the procedure, an interventional radiologist will make a small incision in the groin area and insert a thin, flexible tube called a catheter into the artery that supplies blood to the uterus. The doctor will then use X-ray imaging to guide the catheter to the small arteries that feed the fibroids. Small particles are injected through the catheter into the arteries to block blood flow to the fibroids, causing them to shrink and die.

The procedure is typically performed with minimal anesthesia support and require very less hospital stay. Recovery time is usually a few days, and most women can return to normal activities within a week.

UFE is an effective alternative to surgery for many women with uterine fibroids and has a lower risk of complications and shorter recovery time compared to surgical options such as hysterectomy or myomectomy. However, UFE may not be suitable for all women, and it's important to discuss the potential risks and benefits with a healthcare provider.

When UFE is recommended?

Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) is typically recommended for women who have symptomatic fibroids that are causing significant pain, heavy bleeding, or other issues. Symptoms of fibroids can vary, but some common ones include:

• Heavy or prolonged menstrual periods

• Pelvic pain or pressure

• Difficulty emptying the bladder or bowel

• Back or leg pain

• Painful sexual intercourse

UFE may be recommended as an alternative to surgery, particularly for women who want to preserve their uterus and fertility. UFE has been shown to be effective in shrinking fibroids and reducing symptoms in many women. It also has a lower risk of complications and shorter recovery time compared to surgical options such as hysterectomy or myomectomy.

However, UFE may not be suitable for all women. For example, women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant soon may not be good candidates for the procedure. It's important to discuss the potential risks and benefits of UFE with a healthcare provider to determine if it's the right option for you.

Advantages

The uterine artery embolization comes with a gamut of benefits to the patients. Most importantly, the uterus is preserved which has an important role in the physical, emotional, and sexual health as well as women’s overall well-being.

• Shorter hospital stay (1-2 days)

• Quicker recovery

• Preservation of the Uterus

• Very minimal pain

• Stich less or pinhole procedure

How is UFE different from the conventional treatment?

Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) is a minimally invasive alternative to conventional treatments for uterine fibroids, such as hysterectomy or myomectomy.

Hysterectomy is a surgical procedure that involves removing the entire uterus, while myomectomy involves removing only the fibroids. Both procedures require general anaesthesia and a hospital stay, and recovery time can be several weeks.

In contrast, UFE is a minimally invasive procedure that can be performed on an outpatient basis. The procedure involves blocking the blood supply to the fibroids, causing them to shrink and die over time.

This is accomplished by injecting small particles into the arteries that supply blood to the fibroids, using X-ray guidance.

• Compared to conventional treatments, UFE has several advantages:

• It is less invasive and does not require general anesthesia.

• Recovery time is typically shorter. There is a lower risk of complications, such as infection or blood loss.

• The uterus is preserved, which is important for women who want to maintain their fertility.

Facilities Offered

• Digital Mammo Tomosynthesis – Advanced 3D digital mammography system for early detection of even very small breast lesions.

• DEXA Scan – Low-radiation technology used to accurately measure bone density and detect osteoporosis at an early stage.

• Digital X-Ray System – Provides high-resolution radiographs with faster image processing and integration with PACS for quick diagnosis.

• Nuclear Medicine with PET-CT & Gamma Camera – Includes Time-of-Flight PET-CT technology for early and precise detection of functional abnormalities.

• Low Radiation Clarity Cath Lab – Advanced catheterisation lab that reduces radiation exposure by up to 70% for both patients and staff.

• Flat Panel Bi-Plane Vascular Hybrid Cath Lab – Enables complex neurovascular and vascular procedures with realtime 3D imaging and hybrid surgical capability.

• Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA) – Fluoroscopy-based technique to clearly visualize blood vessels by removing interference from surrounding tissues.

• 3D Rotational Angiography – Provides detailed multi-angle imaging of vessels with a single contrast injection for precise diagnosis and planning.

• CT-like Imaging in Angio System – Allows soft-tissue and brain imaging directly during procedures without shifting the patient for CT scans.

• EPIQ Advanced Ultrasound System – High-end colour Doppler with liver elastography, 4D imaging, and image-fusion technology for accurate diagnosis.

• Image Fusion for Guided Biopsies – Combines ultrasound with CT/MRI images for precise needle guidance during biopsy procedures.