What kind of fibroids can you embolize?
All sizes of fibroids have been successfully embolized. The shrinkage will be felt more in fibroids smaller than a 5 - month sized pregnancy. The embolization process affects all fibroids within the uterus wherever they are located.
Can the plastic particles used in embolization cause any damage to other organs?
Plastic particles are injected into the artery supplying the fibroids. They are carried under pressure from the heart into smaller arteries where they lodge. They cannot travel into other parts of the body. The uterus, unlike the fibroids, gets its blood supply from other arteries, which swell when the uterine arteries are cut off by embolization. Thus, the uterus continues to survive without compromise.
How fast does embolization work?
Fibroids begin to shrink immediately. Improvement in bleeding is immediate, and shrinkage is reached 90% of total by six months after the procedure.
Almost every patient experiences cramping pain for one or two days after embolization. Many patients go home on the afternoon of their procedure. Some patients, especially those with larger fibroids experience a low-grade fever after embolization.
Are some people allergic to the things they put into you when they embolize you?
Particles used for UFE have not caused an allergic reaction in any patient, in any part of the body in the 20 years they have been used.
Is there a general anesthetic administered?
For embolization, no. For the laparoscopy prior to the embolization, yes.
Are some fibroids too big to be embolized?
Generally speaking, all sizes have been successfully embolized. The greatest success is with fibroids under the 5-month pregnancy size, but we've also successfully shrunk fibroids the size of cantaloupes.
Can the particles used in embolization leak to other parts of the body?
Absolutely not. Particles are only injected into arteries supplying fibroids. Blood pressure carries the particles forward until they reach the narrowest part of the artery and lodge there. Once in place, they can't fall out or flow backwards to any other part of the body.
Will embolization keep new fibroids from forming?
Recurrence after embolization has not occurred. This is one of its major advantages over myomectomy, where fibroids which have been surgically removed often grow back.
Why don't I need to be in a hospital for embolization?
First, you'll be under local rather than general anesthetic. Second, nothing is cut open or removed from your body. Occasionally, we keep patients for observation, but most women return home the same day as the procedure.
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