Uterine Artery Embolisation
Learn about Uterine Artery Embolisation in Singapore provided by Dr. Manish Taneja from the Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic. UAE is a minimally invasive treatment for symptomatic uterine fibroids, heavy bleeding and pelvic pressure.
Uterine Artery Embolisation (UAE) in Singapore
Minimally Invasive Treatment for Uterine Fibroids
Uterine Artery Embolisation (UAE) is a minimally invasive, image-guided procedure used to treat selected women with symptomatic uterine fibroids.
Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in or around the uterus. Depending on their size and location, they can cause heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pressure, abdominal discomfort, frequent urination or other symptoms.
During UAE, a thin catheter is guided into the uterine arteries supplying the fibroids. Small embolic particles are then delivered to reduce blood flow to the fibroids. Over time, the reduced blood supply causes the treated fibroids to shrink and can help improve associated symptoms.
At the Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic, treatment is planned according to your symptoms, fibroid characteristics, imaging findings, medical history and individual treatment goals.
Care is led by Dr. Manish Taneja, providing specialist vascular and interventional expertise with a continuum of care under one roof.
Treatment Overview
| Treatment Type | Minimally invasive image-guided vascular procedure |
|---|---|
| Commonly Used for | Symptomatic uterine fibroids |
| Treatment goal | Reduce blood flow to selected fibroids and improve symptoms |
| How It Works | Small embolic particles are delivered into the uterine arteries |
| Imaging Guidance | Angiography and other appropriate imaging |
| Access | Small catheter access through a blood vessel |
| Anaesthesia | Usually local anaesthesia with appropriate pain management |
| Follow-Up | Clinical review and imaging when appropriate |
| Performed By | Dr. Manish Taneja, dual-trained neurointerventional and peripheral vascular intervention specialist |
What Is Uterine Artery Embolisation?
Uterine Artery Embolisation is a minimally invasive treatment for selected women with symptomatic uterine fibroids.
Fibroids depend on a blood supply to grow and maintain their tissue.
During UAE, the specialist identifies the arteries supplying the fibroids and delivers small embolic particles into selected vessels. This reduces blood flow to the targeted fibroids.
Over time, the fibroids shrink, which can help reduce symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pressure and pain.
UAE treats the blood supply to the fibroids rather than surgically removing the uterus or individual fibroids.
How Does Uterine Artery Embolisation Work?
Reducing Blood Flow to Uterine Fibroids
Your symptoms, medical history and previous investigations are first reviewed.
Pelvic imaging is assessed to understand the size, number and location of your fibroids.
A small catheter is introduced through an appropriate blood vessel usually through the groin. The catheter is carefully guided towards the uterine arteries.
Angiography is used to identify the uterine arteries and confirm the blood supply to the fibroids. Small embolic particles are delivered into the selected uterine arteries.
Blood flow to the targeted fibroids is reduced. The catheter is removed and the access site is monitored after treatment.
Follow-up imaging may be recommended to assess the response of the fibroids.
What Are Uterine Fibroids?
Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop from the muscle tissue of the uterus.
They are common and can vary considerably in size, number and location. Some women have fibroids without experiencing any symptoms.
When symptoms occur, they can include:
- Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding
- Pelvic pressure
- Pelvic pain
- Abdominal discomfort
- Frequent urination
- Bloating or abdominal enlargement
- Pain during intercourse
- Symptoms related to pressure on surrounding organs
The symptoms depend partly on the size and location of the fibroids.
When Might Uterine Artery Embolisation Be Considered?
UAE may be considered for women with symptomatic uterine fibroids when a minimally invasive treatment approach is appropriate.
Your specialist may consider:
- Heavy menstrual bleeding associated with fibroids
- Pelvic pressure or discomfort
- Fibroid-related abdominal symptoms
- Multiple fibroids
- Fibroids that are affecting quality of life
- Symptoms that have not improved sufficiently with other treatments
- A desire to consider a uterus-preserving treatment option
- Whether the fibroids have a suitable blood supply for embolisation
Not every woman with fibroids requires treatment.
A detailed assessment is important to determine whether UAE is appropriate for your individual circumstances.
Uterine Artery Embolisation for Heavy Menstrual Bleeding
Treating One of the Common Symptoms of Fibroids
Heavy menstrual bleeding is one of the common symptoms associated with uterine fibroids.
When fibroids contribute to heavy or prolonged periods, UAE may help reduce bleeding by treating the blood supply to the fibroids.
The response varies between individuals and depends on factors such as the size, location and number of fibroids.
Your specialist will assess the likely cause of your bleeding before recommending treatment.
Uterine Artery Embolisation and Pelvic Pressure
Reducing Symptoms Caused by Larger Fibroids
Larger fibroids can place pressure on nearby pelvic structures.
This may contribute to:
- Pelvic heaviness
- Abdominal pressure
- Frequent urination
- Bloating
- Pelvic discomfort
As treated fibroids gradually shrink following embolisation, pressure-related symptoms may improve in appropriately selected patients.
Potential Benefits of Uterine Artery Embolisation
A Minimally Invasive Alternative to Fibroid Surgery
For appropriately selected patients, UAE may offer several potential benefits.
Minimally Invasive
UAE is performed through a small catheter rather than through a large surgical incision.
Uterus-Preserving
The uterus is not removed during UAE.
Treats Multiple Fibroids
UAE can treat multiple fibroids during the same procedure.
Targeted Treatment
The procedure focuses on the blood supply to the fibroids.
No Surgical Removal of Individual Fibroids
The fibroids are treated by reducing their blood supply rather than surgically removing each growth.
Potentially Shorter Recovery
Recovery is generally shorter than major open abdominal surgery, although individual recovery varies.
Uterine Artery Embolisation vs Other Fibroid Treatments
Understanding Your Options
There are several treatment options for uterine fibroids.
| Treatment | How It Works |
|---|---|
| Uterine Artery Embolisation | Reduces blood flow to selected fibroids |
| Myomectomy | Surgically removes fibroids while preserving the uterus |
| Hysterectomy | Surgically removes the uterus |
| Medication | Helps manage symptoms or influence hormone-related fibroid activity |
| Other Minimally Invasive Treatments | Uses different techniques to target selected fibroids |
The most appropriate option depends on your symptoms, fibroid characteristics, medical history and reproductive or treatment goals.
Does Uterine Artery Embolisation Remove Fibroids?
UAE does not physically remove the fibroids. Instead, it reduces their blood supply.
The treated fibroids gradually shrink over time, which can help relieve symptoms.
Follow-up imaging may be used to assess the response to treatment.
Can Uterine Artery Embolisation Treat Multiple Fibroids?
Yes. One of the potential advantages of UAE is that multiple fibroids can be treated during the same procedure.
The treatment targets the uterine arteries supplying the fibroids rather than requiring each fibroid to be surgically removed individually.
The suitability of UAE depends on the number, size, location and vascular supply of the fibroids.
Uterine Artery Embolisation and Fertility
An Important Individual Consideration
Fertility considerations are important when discussing treatment for uterine fibroids.
The relationship between UAE and fertility is complex, and treatment decisions should be individualised. If you are planning a future pregnancy, this should be discussed with your treating specialists before deciding on UAE.
Your age, fertility history, fibroid characteristics and reproductive goals are important considerations when comparing UAE with other fibroid treatments.
What Are the Potential Risks and Considerations?
Understanding What to Expect
Uterine artery embolisation is minimally invasive, but it has potential risks and side effects.
These may include:
- Pelvic pain or cramping after treatment
- Temporary nausea or fatigue
- Low-grade fever
- Bruising at the catheter access site
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Reaction to contrast material
- Temporary changes in menstrual patterns
- Passage of fibroid tissue in some circumstances
- Rare injury to the uterus or surrounding structures
- The possibility of incomplete symptom improvement
- The possibility of requiring additional treatment
The specific risks depend on your fibroids, medical history and individual circumstances.
Your specialist will explain the expected benefits, potential risks and alternatives before treatment.
Recovery After Uterine Artery Embolisation
What Can You Expect After Treatment?
UAE is performed as a same-day, outpatient procedure. It is performed within 45-90 minutes depending on the anatomy, size, and location. You will generally go home a few hours after the procedure is finished.
Some women experience pelvic cramping or discomfort during the first few days following UAE. Your recovery depends on the extent of treatment and your individual response.
After treatment, you may be advised to:
- Rest initially
- Take prescribed pain relief
- Stay hydrated
- Avoid strenuous activity for the recommended period
- Monitor for changes in symptoms
- Follow medication instructions
- Attend follow-up appointments
Your specialist will provide personalised recovery instructions before you leave.
Many patients require rest 3 to 7 days, with a complete return to all normal physical activities taking 1 to 2 weeks.
Your Uterine Artery Embolisation Treatment Journey
| Step | Stage | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Specialist Assessment | Review your symptoms, medical history, fibroid diagnosis and treatment goals. |
| 2 | Imaging Review | Assess the size, number, location and blood supply of your fibroids. |
| 3 | Treatment Planning | Determine whether uterine artery embolisation is appropriate for you. |
| 4 | Catheter Access | Introduce a small catheter through an appropriate blood vessel. |
| 5 | Angiographic Mapping | Use angiography to identify the uterine arteries and fibroid blood supply. |
| 6 | Targeted Embolisation | Deliver small embolic particles into the selected uterine arteries. |
| 7 | Catheter Removal | Remove the catheter and monitor the access site. |
| 8 | Recovery & Follow-Up | Provide personalised aftercare and assess your response to treatment. |
Why Choose the Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic
Specialist-Led, Minimally Invasive Vascular Care Under One Roof
Treatment for uterine fibroids should take into account more than the fibroids themselves.
Your symptoms, imaging findings, overall health and individual treatment goals all help determine the most appropriate approach.
At the Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic, treatment planning focuses on providing a personalised assessment before recommending UAE.
Care is led by Dr. Manish Taneja, providing specialist vascular and interventional expertise with continuity of care under one roof.
Brain-to-Body Expertise
Dr. Manish Taneja's expertise spans neurointerventional and peripheral vascular intervention, providing broad experience in image-guided procedures involving blood vessels throughout the body.
Minimally Invasive Approach
UAE uses catheter-based treatment rather than conventional open surgery.
Image-Guided Precision
Angiography allows the uterine arteries and relevant fibroid blood supply to be identified during treatment.
Treatment for Multiple Fibroids
UAE can treat multiple fibroids through the same vascular approach when clinically appropriate.
Personalised Treatment Planning
The decision to perform UAE takes into account your symptoms, imaging findings, medical history and individual goals.
Continuum of Care
From specialist assessment and imaging through treatment and follow-up, the Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic provides continuity of specialist care under one roof.
Frequently Asked Questions About Uterine Artery Embolisation
What is uterine artery embolisation?
Uterine Artery Embolisation is a minimally invasive treatment that reduces blood flow to selected uterine fibroids, causing them to gradually shrink.
What is UAE used for?
UAE is primarily used to treat symptomatic uterine fibroids in appropriately selected patients.
Can UAE treat heavy menstrual bleeding?
Yes. UAE can reduce heavy menstrual bleeding associated with uterine fibroids in appropriately selected patients.
Does UAE remove fibroids?
No. UAE reduces the blood supply to fibroids, causing them to gradually shrink rather than surgically removing them.
Can UAE treat multiple fibroids?
Yes. Multiple fibroids can often be treated during the same procedure.
Is UAE minimally invasive?
Yes. UAE uses a small catheter to access the uterine arteries rather than requiring open abdominal surgery.
How long does recovery take after UAE?
Recovery varies between individuals, but it is generally shorter than recovery from major open fibroid surgery.
Is UAE an alternative to hysterectomy?
UAE may be an alternative to hysterectomy for selected women with symptomatic fibroids, but the appropriate treatment depends on individual circumstances.
Is UAE suitable for women who want children?
Fertility considerations are important when deciding whether UAE is appropriate. Women planning future pregnancy should discuss their options with their relevant specialists.
Can fibroids grow back after UAE?
Treated fibroids generally shrink, but new fibroids may develop or symptoms may persist or recur, meaning further treatment can sometimes be required.
Is uterine artery embolisation painful?
Pelvic cramping and discomfort are common after UAE, and appropriate pain management is provided according to individual needs.
Specialist Assessment for Uterine Artery Embolisation in Singapore
Uterine fibroids can affect menstrual bleeding, comfort and everyday quality of life. When symptoms become troublesome, there are several treatment options to consider. At the Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic, Dr. Manish Taneja provides specialist vascular assessment and minimally invasive, image-guided treatment for selected patients with symptomatic uterine fibroids.
With expertise spanning the brain and body, the Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic provides a continuum of specialist care from assessment and imaging through treatment planning, minimally invasive intervention and follow-up under one roof. If you have symptomatic uterine fibroids and are considering minimally invasive treatment, a specialist assessment can help determine whether uterine artery embolisation is appropriate for your individual circumstances.
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