What is it?

An embolization is a procedure to treat symptomatic uterine fibroids. Typical uterine fibroids symptoms include pain, pressure, increased frequency of urination and excessive menstrual bleeding. This is only one of many treatments for this uterine fibroids, others include hysterectomy, surgery and hormonal therapy.

What to expect?

An angiogram is preformed to find the uterine arteries. Then a small tube is introduced to the uterine arteries and then the embolization, which blocks he blood flow to all the fibroids follows and small particles are used to block the blood flow. The procedure can last up to two hours and patients are observed for six to 12 hours following embolization, as pain can be severe. Usually pain medication is administered following embolization and usually 10 hours or so after the operation, most patients are ready to go home. Pain medication is needed for several days following the procedure. The patient may be off of work for up to a week or more following this procedure.

Preparation?

The doctor doing the procedure, or hospital may contact the patient with specific instructions. Usually patients are admitted the night before or the morning of the procedure.