What happens when a tumor is Embolized?

Introduction. Tumor embolization is a procedure that can be performed prior to a planned surgical resection. Embolization shuts down the blood supply to a tumor reducing blood loss during surgical resection.

How effective is embolization?

Embolization is a highly effective way of controlling bleeding, especially in an emergency situation. Worldwide success rates of 85 percent and higher have been reported in women treated with embolization for uterine fibroids. Embolization is much less invasive than conventional open surgery.

How long does an embolization take?

Depending on how many blood vessels need treatment, the whole process takes from 30 minutes to a few hours. You can expect to remain in bed for six to eight hours after the procedure to let your body rest and recover.

How long does fibroid embolization take?

Uterine fibroid embolization usually takes between 1 and 3 hours, depending on how long it takes to position the catheter and how easy it is to position the catheter in the arteries in the uterus.

How long is the procedure for uterine fibroid embolization?

What is the procedure for fibroid embolization?

Fibroid embolization is performed by an interventional radiologist, a physician who is specially trained to perform this and other minimally invasive procedures. The interventional radiologist makes a small nick in the skin in the groin, through which a tiny tube called a catheter is inserted into an artery.

What is uterine fibroid embolization (UFE)?

With uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) or (uterine artery embolization) UAE, an interventional radiologist accesses the blood vessel that feeds the tumor through a small incision in the groin. Plastic particles are injected into the blood vessel to starve the fibroid, resulting in some shrinkage of the tumor.

Is it safe to embolize fibroids?

FIBROID EMBOLIZATION PROCEDURES FOR LARGE FIBROIDS ARE NOT EFFECTIVE. Unfortunately, embolization used on large fibroids can result in die-off and expulsion of the fibroid tumor, which can result in an infection.

Is hysterectomy necessary after uterine fibroid embolization?

HYSTERECTOMY MAY STILL BE REQUIRED AFTER A FIBROID EMBOLIZATION PROCEDURE. Without it, some or all of the tumor will die. With uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) or (uterine artery embolization) UAE, an interventional radiologist accesses the blood vessel that feeds the tumor through a small incision in the groin.