Embolization of the uterine vessels is a method of treating uterine fibroids, which is an alternative to the removal of a woman's uterus tumor. The purpose of this method is to stop the blood flow of myoma nodes by injecting emboli (special agents), which are designed to block the lumen in the arteries. As a result, the myomatous nodes die and the manifestation of symptoms decreases.
Uterine artery embolization (EMA): indications
The procedure is performed according to the indications:
- the size of the uterus can be correlated with 9 weeks of pregnancy and more;
- myomatous nodes up to 8 cm in diameter;
- presence of large nodes in the case of multiple fibroids ;
- menometrorrhagia;
- the patient refuses other methods of treatment.
Embolization of uterine arteries: contraindications
Like any kind of surgical intervention, the EMA has a number of contraindications:
- large sizes of the uterus (more than 25 weeks of pregnancy);
- an abundance of knots of different caliber;
- oncological diseases of the genital organs of a woman;
- inflammatory processes in the vagina;
- poor blood flow in the myomatous nodes;
- kidney failure;
- pregnancy.
In this case, the embolism of uterine arteries can be replaced by occlusion of uterine arteries, performed by the laparoscopy method. Temporary embolization of uterine arteries involves the use of special embolizing, providing a temporary effect (clots of his blood, drugs produced on the basis of gelatin - dissolve themselves after a while). The temporary method is rarely used.
Preparation for uterine artery embolization
Before the procedure, a woman should be prepared: the doctor prescribes antianaerobic (ornidazole 1 tablet twice a day) and antibacterial drugs that should be consumed five days before the EMA. If there is a pathology of the thyroid gland, corrective treatment is performed. Embolization of uterine arteries is carried out in a hospital.
In two hours, 500 mg of ceftriaxone is administered intravenously to reduce the risk of infectious diseases. On the eve of a purifying enema, and on the day of surgery, a bladder is emptied using a catheter.
However, the process of recovery is fast and the woman can be sent home the same day.
Effects of uterine artery embolization
The advantage of this method is the complete absence of blood loss in a woman as a result of surgical intervention. Embolization of uterine arteries can cause the following complications:
- pain in the lower abdomen;
- hematoma at the site of the puncture;
- nausea, vomiting;
- fever.
In rare cases, there are such features as:
- penetration into the uterus of harmful microorganisms;
- lack of blood supply to the uterus;
- peritonitis;
- pulmonary embolism;
- necrosis of the walls of adjacent organs in the presence of adhesive process.
Complete removal of the genital organ occurs in less than one percent of cases.
Complications after embolization are infrequent, so this method is very popular among gynecologists.
Most women report a decrease in menstrual flow. Some researchers have shown that conducting
Until now, the impact of EMA on the reproductive function of women is not known. However, pregnancy after embolization of the uterine arteries can proceed without problems in the case of a successful operation for blockage of the arteries. However, according to the results of the conducted studies, there are not many cases of safely occurring pregnancies after the operation. Embolization of uterine arteries is an effective, safe method of treatment of uterine myomas. In this case, after the procedure, there is no further resumption of symptoms.