Minimally Invasive Uterine Artery Embolization

Uterine artery embolization (UAE) can address numerous causes of heavy menstrual bleeding. At Herald Medical PLLC in San Antonio, Texas, Matthew Taon, MD, RPVI, WCC, CIIP, and his team perform minimally invasive uterine artery embolization. They also specialize in uterine fibroid embolization (UFE), a type of UAE that focuses on fibroids. If you’d like to hear how minimally invasive uterine artery embolization could improve your gynecological health, call Herald Medical PLLC or request a consultation online today.

What is minimally invasive uterine artery embolization?

Uterine artery embolization (UAE) is a minimally invasive procedure that treats causes of abnormal bleeding. You might benefit from UAE if you suffer from problems such as:

• Uterine fibroids
• Trauma
• Childbirth fibroids
• Malignant (cancerous) gynecological tumors
• Postpartum hemorrhage

The most frequent reason people require uterine artery embolization is to treat uterine fibroids. These growths are typically noncancerous but may cause heavy menstrual bleeding and other symptoms.

What happens before uterine artery embolization?

Before the procedure, the Herald Medical PLLC team reviews your medical history, medications, allergies, and menstrual cycle. You’ll also discuss pregnancy plans since UAE might affect your fertility.

To pinpoint the cause of bleeding, your provider may order imaging tests like an MRI, ultrasound, or hysteroscopy. They may also take a biopsy of the uterine lining to check for cancer cells.

What happens during uterine artery embolization?

Minimally invasive uterine artery embolization usually takes about 90 minutes and doesn’t require an overnight hospital stay.

You lie on an exam table while monitors track your heart rate and blood pressure. Your provider applies a numbing anesthetic to your groin area and inserts an intravenous (IV) line through which you receive fluids and a sedative to help you relax.

Your provider makes a small puncture near your groin and inserts a thin catheter into your femoral artery. They use an X-ray and contrast dye to guide the catheter to the uterine arteries.

Once the catheter is in place, your provider releases the embolic agents (tiny particles made of gelatin or plastic) to block blood flow to the fibroids or affected area. They remove the catheter and place a bandage over the puncture site.

How long does recovery from minimally invasive UAE last?

Most people go home a few hours after minimally invasive uterine artery embolization. Recovery involves lying down for a few hours after the procedure and taking prescribed pain medication. You may experience pelvic cramps for the first 24 hours and a watery or mucus-like discharge for several weeks.

You can return to your normal activities within one to two weeks. Your menstrual cycles may pause for a few months, with lighter bleeding once they return. Fibroid symptoms often start improving within a few weeks, and many people feel significant relief within six months.

Call Herald Medical PLLC to learn how you could benefit from uterine artery embolization, or complete the online booking form to request a consultation today.