Uterine Fibroid & Ovarian Vein Embolization

Using a thin tube called a catheter an interventional radiologist injects a substance called an embolic agent at the site of the enlarged pelvic blood vessels. The embolic agent either blocks or causes the body to block the vessel, preventing the accumulation of blood in faulty vessels, and thereby reducing the pelvic congestion.

When you arrive for your procedure, a nurse will bring you into the pre-procedure area and ask you to change into a gown and empty your bladder. An intravenous (IV) line will be inserted into a vein in your hand or arm this will be used to give you sedatives during the procedure.Your doctor will greet you, explain the procedure, and answer any questions you may have.

A technologist or nurse will wheel your bed into the procedures room, and you’ll be positioned on the examining table. The technologist or nurse will connect monitors for your heart rate, blood pressure, and pulse.

The technologist will shave, sterilize, and cover the area of your body where a catheter will be inserted with a surgical drape, usually the inner thigh. The radiologist will make a very small nick, and you may feel some pressure as the catheter is inserted, but you won’t feel any serious discomfort. Depending on the complexity of your condition, the procedure may take from 30 minutes to several hours. When the catheter is removed, pressure is applied to prevent bleeding, and the nick is bandaged. No sutures are needed.

Most patients feel some discomfort after the procedure. Medications can be given to control pain. You may also experience mild nausea or a low-grade fever. Some patients experience cramps. You will be able to go home after some recovery time. You will need a driver to bring you and take you home.

There are things you can do to make your experience more comfortable, and many of these will depend on your individual preferences. You might like to keep a list of questions or — as you’re doing now — educate yourself about the procedure.

Another important part of your preparation will be guided by your doctor:

• Your doctor may ask you to stop taking aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), or blood thinners (such as Coumadin or warfarin) for a time before the procedure.

Some of your preparation will need to be timed to the procedure:

• The day before the procedure (or the Friday before, if you’re scheduled for a Monday procedure), a nurse from the Interventional Radiology Department will call you. The nurse will give you any additional instructions, and will ask if you have any questions.
• When you arrive, make sure the nurse and radiologist know about any allergies you may have, especially allergies to local anesthetics (such as lidocaine), or contrast material).
• If there’s any chance you may be pregnant, tell your radiologist.

You may want to invite a family member or friend to accompany you to your procedure. Some of the things that you might consider taking include:

• Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes
• Wear comfortable shoes
• Avoid bringing jewelry or valuables

The benefits of Uterine Fibroid & Ovarian Vein Embolization could include:

• The procedure is much less invasive than conventional surgical techniques and the recovery is faster.

Risks you should be aware of include:

• The small chance that the procedure will not be successful in relieving your pain
• Like any catheterization procedure, there is a risk of damage to blood vessels, bruising, bleeding, or infection at the puncture site
• There is a small risk of infection at the site of embolization, even with antibiotics

Keep in mind that this information is general. Your radiologist is the best source of information about how these risks and benefits may apply to you.