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Uterine Artery Embolisation (UAE) for Uterine Fibroids

Uterine Artery Embolisation (UAE) is a minimally invasive, non-surgical treatment for uterine fibroids that shrinks fibroids and relieves heavy bleeding while preserving the uterus performed by Dr. Gurucharan S Shetty at Sparsh Hospitals Bangalore.

Women's Health Interventional Radiology

What is Uterine Artery Embolisation (UAE)?

Uterine Artery Embolisation (UAE) is a minimally invasive interventional radiology procedure that treats symptomatic uterine fibroids (leiomyomata) without surgery. Tiny embolic microspheres are injected via a catheter into the uterine arteries blocking blood flow to fibroids and starving them of their blood supply. Fibroids then undergo infarction and shrink progressively over 3–6 months, leading to significant symptom relief in 85–90% of patients. The uterus is preserved, no surgical incision is made, and recovery is dramatically faster than hysterectomy.

Who is This Procedure For?

Uterine artery embolisation (UAE) is suitable for pre-menopausal women with symptomatic uterine fibroids who wish to preserve their uterus or avoid the risks and recovery associated with surgery. It is most commonly indicated for heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia), which can lead to anaemia, fatigue, and a reduced quality of life. UAE is also effective in managing pelvic pressure and bulk-related symptoms caused by large fibroids pressing on surrounding organs, leading to urinary frequency, constipation, or a sensation of pelvic heaviness and discomfort. Women experiencing painful periods (dysmenorrhoea) due to fibroid-related uterine contractions often see significant improvement after the procedure. It is a preferred option for those who wish to avoid surgery, including women who decline hysterectomy or myomectomy, or those at high surgical risk due to anaemia, medical comorbidities, or prior abdominal surgery. Additionally, UAE is beneficial for women with multiple fibroids located in different areas, where surgical removal would be extensive, as well as for those with recurrent fibroids after previous myomectomy, since UAE can treat all fibroids simultaneously regardless of their number or position.

How is UAE Performed?

  • Pre-procedure MRI Pelvis

    Pelvic MRI characterises fibroid number, size, position (submucosal, intramural, subserosal), and vascularity essential for treatment planning and outcome prediction.

  • Femoral Artery Access

    Under local anaesthesia, a small catheter is inserted through the right femoral artery in the groin. Pelvic angiography maps the uterine arterial anatomy.

  • Right Uterine Artery Embolisation

    Microcatheter is advanced superselectively into the right uterine artery. PVA microspheres (500–700 microns) are injected slowly until flow is significantly reduced.

  • Left Uterine Artery Embolisation

    Catheter is repositioned to the left uterine artery via the same femoral access and the procedure is repeated both uterine arteries are treated in one session.

  • Post-UAE Analgesia & Monitoring

    IV analgesia manages post-embolisation syndrome (pelvic cramping, low-grade fever). Discharged in 1–2 days. Follow-up MRI at 3–6 months assesses fibroid shrinkage.

Benefits of This Procedure

Uterus Preserved

Unlike hysterectomy, UAE preserves the uterus important for women not wishing permanent removal of their uterus.

85–90% Success Rate

The vast majority of women experience significant relief of heavy bleeding, pain, and pressure symptoms after UAE.

Faster Recovery

Return to normal activity in 7–10 days compared to 4–6 weeks for hysterectomy and 4 weeks for myomectomy.

Treats All Fibroids

UAE simultaneously treats all fibroids regardless of number or position unlike myomectomy which may leave small fibroids behind.

Frequently Asked Questions

On average, fibroids shrink by 40–70% in volume and the uterus reduces in size by 30–50% at 6 months post-UAE. Submucosal fibroids (inside the uterine cavity) tend to respond particularly well and may be expelled. Patients experience progressive symptom improvement over 3–6 months as fibroids shrink.
The majority of women experience significantly reduced menstrual blood loss after UAE many returning to normal periods. Heavy, flooding periods are dramatically improved in over 85% of cases. Some women (particularly those close to menopause) may experience early menopause after UAE a risk that increases with age, estimated at 1–3% for women under 45 and up to 15% for women over 45.
UAE is not recommended as the primary treatment for women who wish to conceive, as some studies suggest possible impact on ovarian reserve and pregnancy rates. Myomectomy (surgical fibroid removal) is preferred for women with primary infertility attributable to fibroids. However, successful pregnancies have been reported after UAE. Dr. Shetty discusses fertility goals carefully during the consultation.
Post-embolisation syndrome pelvic cramping, low-grade fever, nausea, and fatigue is expected for 3–7 days and is similar to severe menstrual pain. This is managed with prescribed pain medications and anti-nausea drugs. Most women return to desk work within 7–10 days and full activity within 2 weeks.
Approximately 20–25% of women require repeat intervention within 5 years either repeat UAE or surgical myomectomy. This compares favourably to myomectomy, where fibroid recurrence rates are similarly 20–30% at 5 years. Hysterectomy is the only definitive treatment but involves permanent removal of the uterus.
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Considering a Non-Surgical Treatment for Uterine Fibroids?

Consult Dr. Gurucharan S Shetty at Sparsh Hospitals, Bengaluru to find out if UAE is the right option for you preserve your uterus and recover faster.

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