Uterine
Fibroids & Uterine Artery Embolization for Fibroids
Common Questions & Answers
Embolization Technique
What kind of fibroids can you embolize?
All sizes of fibroids have been successfully embolized. The
shrinkage will lead to greater symptom reduction in fibroids
smaller than a 5 - month sized pregnancy. The embolization process
affects all fibroids within the uterus wherever they are located.
Can the plastic particles used in embolization cause
any damage to other organs?
Plastic particles are injected into the artery supplying the
fibroids. They are carried under pressure from the heart into
smaller arteries where they lodge. They cannot travel into other
parts of the body. The uterus, unlike the fibroids, gets its
blood supply from other arteries, which swell when the uterine
arteries are cut off by embolization. Thus, the uterus continues
to survive without compromise.
How fast does embolization work?
Fibroids begin to shrink immediately. Improvement in bleeding
is immediate, and shrinkage is reached 90% of total by six months
after the procedure.
Are there side effects?
Almost every patient experiences cramping pain for one or two
days after embolization. Many patients go home on the afternoon
of their procedure. Some patients, especially those with larger
fibroids experience a low-grade fever after embolization.
Are some people allergic to the things they put into
you when they embolize you?
Particles used for UFE have not caused an allergic reaction
in any patient, in any part of the body in the 20 years they
have been used.
Is there a general anesthetic administered?
For embolization, no.
Are some fibroids too big to be embolized?
Generally speaking, all sizes have been successfully embolized.
The greatest success is with fibroids under the 5-month pregnancy
size, but we've also successfully shrunk fibroids the size of
cantaloupes.
Can the particles used in embolization leak to other
parts of the body?
Absolutely not. Particles are only injected into arteries supplying
fibroids. Blood pressure carries the particles forward until
they reach the narrowest part of the artery and lodge there.
Once in place, they can't fall out or flow backwards to any other
part of the body.
Will embolization keep new fibroids from forming?
Recurrence after embolization has not occurred. This is one
of its major advantages over myomectomy, where fibroids which
have been surgically removed often grow back.
Symptoms
Is there a right age for embolization?
No. Fibroids affect women of all ages. The right time to do
something about them is the moment they become a problem.
What are some of the reasons I wouldn't be a candidate
for embolization?
Embolization is not a cure for cancer. Certain other diseases
might be present causing symptoms similar to those caused by
fibroids. We will screen you for these conditions.
Status of Embolization
Is embolization experimental?
Embolization has been used to control hemorrhage (heavy bleeding)
in many parts of the body, including the uterus for more than
twenty years. Nothing is experimental about the procedure.
How long have you been performing embolization for control
of heavy bleeding?
The faculty of the Toronto Endovascular Centre have been performing
a variety of embolization techniques for over five years.
Why doesn't my doctor perform embolization?
The procedure requires specific training in radiology as well
as gynecology. Many physicians do not have the capacity to combine
the two disciplines in their practice.
Fertility
What about fertility?
Women have conceived after embolization. In fact we know of
no patient who could become pregnant before embolization who
could not after this procedure. Women have successfully carried
babies to term after embolization. Ask your doctor about the
risks to fertility associated with major surgery such as myomectomy
before deciding upon embolization.
How soon after embolization can I resume attempts to
become pregnant?
We advise you to wait 6-12 months after embolization before
attempting to become pregnant.
Insurance and Cost
Is embolization covered by OHIP?
Yes, embolization is covered by OHIP and the provincial health
plans.
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