What Is Uterine Artery Embolization?
Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE) is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat fibroids, noncancerous uterine tumors. Interventional Radiology (IR) physicians can treat fibroids in a minimally invasive fashion by embolizing (blocking off) the blood flow to the uterus. This avoids surgical removal of the uterus and allows for a faster recovery and return to normal activities.
How to Prepare for Uterine Artery Embolization
- Food: You will need to have an empty stomach the day of your procedure so you must have nothing to eat or drink after midnight the night before.
- Medications: You may and should take your daily morning medications for blood pressure, heart conditions or other important health issues with just a few sips of water. If you take blood thinners, aspirin or other antiplatelet medications, you will be instructed to hold those for a certain number of days prior to your procedure to minimize your risk of bleeding.
- Support: You will need a driver to take you to and from your procedure, and you must have someone who can stay with you at home the first day and night.
- Labs: Your doctor may have labs drawn prior to your procedure.
During the Procedure
This treatment is a minimally invasive alternative to conventional surgery. Your procedure will be done in our DRI Alamance outpatient imaging center. The procedure will last 60 to 90 minutes. You will be given conscious sedation to keep you comfortable. No surgical incision is needed—just a small nick in the skin.
What Is the Recovery Time?
Uterine Artery Embolization is considered an outpatient procedure, so you can return home the same day as your treatment. Most people recover for approximately 60 minutes, but individual recovery rates may vary.
After the procedure, it is common to have cramps, pain or discomfort at the incision site. Patients are prescribed pain medications to take home. As always, following post-procedure instructions is essential for the best outcome.