This is a nonsurgical vascular procedure for treatment of fibroids. This procedure is also effective in many patients with adenomyosis of uterus.
The procedure is done under intravenous sedation and takes about 45 minutes to one hour to complete the procedure.
Overview of Uterine Artery Embolization
Uterine artery embolization is a highly effective option for treating fibroids, and this minimally invasive treatment can be a particularly helpful choice for patients that have had little to no success with other fibroid treatment options. Here are some of the most important things to consider when determining whether uterine artery embolization is a good fit for you, as well as why choosing Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic is one of the best options for patients seeking UAE treatment in Singapore.
Uterine artery embolization, or UAE, is a type of surgical procedure that involves blocking blood from sustaining fibroids. UAE involves placing a physical barrier into arteries that reach fibroids to keep them from receiving the blood they need to survive, which can help to relieve pain, excessive bleeding or urination, and other symptoms associated with fibroids.
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Common Questions About Uterine Artery Embolisation (UAE) for Fibroids
What is uterine artery embolisation?
Uterine artery embolisation (UAE), also known as uterine fibroid embolisation (UFE), is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat symptomatic uterine fibroids.
The procedure works by reducing the blood supply that feeds fibroids, causing them to gradually shrink over time.
During UAE:
- A small catheter is inserted through a blood vessel, usually through the wrist or groin.
- The uterine arteries supplying the fibroids are identified.
- Tiny particles are delivered to reduce blood flow to the fibroids.
- The fibroids shrink as their blood supply decreases.
Unlike traditional surgery, UAE does not require removal of the uterus or large surgical incisions.
Why is uterine artery embolisation performed?
UAE is usually considered for women with fibroids causing symptoms that affect daily life.
Common reasons for treatment include:
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Prolonged periods
- Pelvic pressure or discomfort
- Abdominal fullness or bloating
- Fibroid-related pain
- Symptoms affecting quality of life
The goal of UAE is to reduce symptoms while providing a minimally invasive alternative to some surgical treatments.
Who may be suitable for uterine artery embolisation?
UAE may be suitable for women who:
- Have symptomatic uterine fibroids
- Want a minimally invasive treatment option
- Wish to avoid or delay major surgery
- Have heavy menstrual bleeding caused by fibroids
- Have fibroids that are suitable based on imaging findings
Suitability depends on factors including:
- Size and location of fibroids
- Number of fibroids
- Symptoms
- Overall health
- Personal treatment goals
A specialist assessment and imaging review are important before deciding whether UAE is appropriate.
What are the benefits of uterine artery embolisation compared with surgery?
UAE offers a minimally invasive approach compared with traditional surgical options.
Potential benefits include:
- No large surgical incision
- Preservation of the uterus
- Shorter recovery period compared with some surgeries
- Reduced hospital stay for many patients
- Treatment of multiple fibroids at the same time
However, every treatment option has potential benefits and considerations.
The most suitable approach depends on each woman’s symptoms, fibroid characteristics and personal priorities.
Is uterine artery embolisation an alternative to hysterectomy?
For suitable patients, UAE may be an alternative to hysterectomy.
The main difference is:
| Treatment | Approach |
|---|---|
| Uterine artery embolisation | Minimally invasive procedure that reduces blood supply to fibroids |
| Hysterectomy | Surgical removal of the uterus |
Women considering treatment should discuss:
- Symptom improvement
- Recovery expectations
- Fertility goals
- Long-term outcomes
A personalised assessment helps determine which option best matches individual needs.
Who Needs UAE?
Uterine artery embolization can help to alleviate a wide range of symptoms of fibroids. This means that women may benefit from this procedure if they are experiencing severe symptoms associated with fibroids, such as heavy bleeding, excessively frequent urination, or pelvic pain, especially if other attempts to treat their fibroids have been unsuccessful. UAE may also be beneficial for women that experience unusually heavy bleeding following childbirth.
How Does UAE Work?
This relatively minor surgical procedure is generally performed using a sedative and local anesthetic. Your doctor will then insert a catheter, or thin tube, into your femoral artery and use this access point to reach your uterine artery. This tube is used to insert particles made from gelatin, plastic, or a similar material into specific blood vessels that carry blood to your fibroids, which forms a blockage that prevents blood from reaching your fibroids and eventually causes them to die because they will no longer receive the nutrients they need to survive.
Symptoms Uterine Artery Embolization Can Treat
UAE can be used to treat a wide range of symptoms that are associated with uterine fibroids, such as:
- Excessive urination, especially when it involves frequently having to get up at night
- Excessive bleeding, including following childbirth
- Significant pain or pressure
- Low blood counts
- Constipation
Conditions Uterine Artery Embolization Can Treat
Uterine artery embolization is most frequently used to manage fibroids, but it can also be an effective option for treating adenomyosis. Our team will work with you to determine whether UAE is likely to be an effective choice for your situation.
UAE Preparation for Surgery
You may need to temporarily stop taking certain medications that make it more difficult for your blood to clot correctly prior to UAE surgery, which means that it is important to tell your doctor about any medications you are taking. You should also avoid eating or drinking anything for approximately 6-8 hours prior to this procedure, and your doctor may recommend attempting to stop smoking before your UAE surgery.
UAE Recovery After Surgery
Many patients go home the same day of a uterine artery embolization procedure, but you may stay in the hospital overnight if needed. You may experience abdominal or pelvic cramps following your procedure, which are especially common during the first 24 hours and may last for up to two weeks, but you will receive pain medication to help keep significant discomfort under control. You will generally need to lie flat for several hours following UAE to reduce movement, and your doctor will provide further instructions for caring for your incision site and managing discomfort. Most patients are able to resume normal activities within approximately 7-10 days.
When to Consider a Uterine Fibroid Embolisation Specialist Assessment
Choosing the right fibroid treatment depends on understanding the cause of symptoms, fibroid characteristics and personal health goals.
Consider a specialist assessment if you:
- Have been diagnosed with uterine fibroids.
- Experience heavy menstrual bleeding affecting your daily life.
- Have fibroid-related pelvic pressure, discomfort or pain.
- Want to explore treatment options beyond surgery.
- Are considering alternatives to hysterectomy.
- Want to understand whether uterine artery embolisation is suitable for your condition.
- Have imaging results showing fibroids and need help understanding your options.
- Want a second opinion about your current treatment recommendation.
At the Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic, assessment focuses on reviewing your symptoms, imaging findings and treatment goals to determine whether uterine artery embolisation or another approach may be appropriate.
Your specialist will guide you through the available options, explain the benefits and considerations of each treatment, and support you in making an informed decision.
Choose Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic for World-Class UAE Care in Singapore
At Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic, our uterine fibroids specialist, Dr. Manish Taneja, is here to help patients across Singapore manage fibroids and a wide range of other vascular concerns. Contact us today to learn more about whether uterine artery embolization might be a good fit for you or to schedule an appointment.
Read More About Vascular Treatments on Our Blog
To dive deeper into the types of vascular treatments, head over to our clinic’s blog.
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Other Vascular Treatments
The Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic is your "go-to" facility for various vascular conditions and treatments. To arrange an appointment with Dr. Manish Taneja, our vascular specialist, contact us. You can also call us at (+65) 6904 8084 for a consultation.