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Uterine Artery Embolisation

Uterine artery embolisation (UAE) is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat uterine fibroids, which are benign growths that can cause heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, pressure symptoms and urinary frequency.

 

Using imaging guidance, a thin catheter is inserted through an artery in the wrist or groin and advanced into the arteries supplying the uterus. Tiny particles are injected to reduce blood flow to the fibroids, causing them to gradually shrink and relieving symptoms.

 

UAE is an effective alternative to hysterectomy or myomectomy, particularly for women who wish to preserve their uterus, have persistent symptoms despite medication or prefer to avoid surgery. UAE can also benefit selected women with adenomyosis. It may also be used to control severe or refractory bleeding associated with gynaecological cancers.

 

Gynaecological assessment and pelvic imaging are important before treatment. Women planning future pregnancy require individual counselling, as the effects of UAE on fertility and pregnancy outcomes remain uncertain. The procedure is usually performed under local anaesthesia with sedation, with symptoms improving over the following weeks to months.

 

Benefits include:

  • Significant reduction in heavy menstrual bleeding

  • Relief of pelvic pain, pressure and bloating

  • Gradual reduction in fibroid size

  • Improvement in urinary frequency and other pressure-related symptoms

  • Preservation of the uterus without surgical removal

  • Treatment of multiple fibroids in a single procedure

  • Effective treatment for selected patients with adenomyosis

  • Avoidance of major abdominal or pelvic surgery

  • No procedural blood loss

  • Usually no general anaesthesia

  • Short hospital stay and faster recovery than major surgery

Women's Health
Ovarian vein
Embolisation
pelvic congestion.png

Ovarian vein embolisation is a
minimally invasive procedure used
to treat pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS), a condition caused by abnormal blood flow and increased pressure within the veins of the pelvis. This can cause chronic pelvic pain, aching or heaviness, often worsening with prolonged standing, during menstruation or following sexual intercourse. Some women also experience varicose veins around the vulva, buttocks or upper thighs.

Using imaging guidance, a thin catheter is inserted through a vein in the neck or groin and advanced into the abnormal ovarian and pelvic veins. Small coils and sclerosing agents are used to block the abnormal veins, redirecting blood flow through healthy veins and reducing pelvic venous pressure.

Embolisation is a safe and effective treatment for appropriately selected women, with most experiencing significant improvement in pelvic pain and associated symptoms.

Gynaecological assessment and pelvic imaging are important to exclude other causes of chronic pelvic pain and identify any underlying venous obstruction.
 

Benefits include:

  • Significant reduction in chronic pelvic pain and heaviness

  • Relief of pain associated with prolonged standing or physical activity

  • Reduction in pelvic discomfort during or after sexual intercourse

  • Improvement in pelvic pressure and aching associated with menstruation

  • Treatment of abnormal ovarian and pelvic veins responsible for venous congestion

  • Improvement in associated vulval and pelvic varicose veins

  • Effective alternative to prolonged medical treatment or more invasive surgery

  • Preservation of the uterus and ovaries

  • Minimally invasive treatment without major surgery

  • No general anaesthesia required

  • Short hospital stay and relatively rapid recovery

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