The method of embolization of uterine myoma is gaining popularity. Previously, embolization was used to stop uterine bleeding after childbirth or uterine surgery. Now doctors are struggling with uterine myoma by embolization of uterine arteries .
Uterine fibroids: treatment with embolization
Myoma of the uterus is a benign tumor that appears in the muscular wall of the uterus. The symptomatology of its manifestations depends on the size and location. Most often, uterine fibroids cause painful, profuse menstruation, which can lead to anemia.
If the myoma is large, it can squeeze other organs and the bladder located next to it. This is accompanied by frequent urge to urinate, a feeling of heaviness and painful sensations in the lower abdomen. In more complex cases, this disease leads to the formation of multiple nodes in the uterus, as well as to infertility.
Embolization of myoma occurs as follows: in a specially equipped operating room with an angiographic device, special particles or balls are introduced into the vessels that feed the myoma. For this, special catheters inserted through the puncture of the right common artery of the thigh are installed in them. The blood flow stops completely, however, healthy myometrium vessels are not affected.
As a result, there is a blockage of small branches of myoma arteries in its vessels.
Myoma after embolization, having lost blood supply, begins to decrease and die, as its cells are removed by a connective tissue and the process of fibrosis takes place. At the site of the tumor, the scar remains after a while, and all the symptoms associated with myoma disappear.
It is worth noting that only endovascular surgeons can perform embolization. They have high professional skills and besides this procedure perform vascular surgery on the brain, heart and other organs. The angiographic equipment to be embolized is subject only to these specialists, who also have extensive experience.
Condition after embolization of uterine myoma
The procedure for embolization of fibroids is classified as safe and practically painless. Take her under local anesthesia. However, after a few hours after embolization, strong pulling pains in the lower abdomen are possible. They are productively blocked by drugs.
In addition, the temperature may increase, there may be some weakness and general malaise. All these symptoms reflect the high effectiveness of medical intervention, quickly pass and do not pose a threat to health.
It should be noted that after the embolization procedure menstrual bleeding comes to normal: their volume, duration and soreness diminishes. The symptoms of compression go away, the myomatous nodes and the overall size of the uterus decrease. It lasts about six months after the procedure. In addition, the risk of recurrence of the disease is completely excluded. This effect is due to the effect of embolization on all nodes of myoma, regardless of their size. Therefore, no additional treatment is required.
Embolization of uterine fibroids - contraindications
If the doctor recommends that you embolize the fibroids, then the following contraindications should be considered:
- presence of intolerance to radiocontrast preparations;
- the presence of kidney failure;
- malignant tumors;
- pregnancy;
- autoimmune diseases;
- infection of the genital organs in the acute stage.