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Uterine artery embolization - discharge

Uterine fibroid embolization - discharge; UFE - discharge; UAE - discharge

 

When You're in the Hospital

You had uterine artery embolization (UAE). UAE is a procedure to treat fibroids using radiology instead of surgery. During the procedure, the blood supply of the fibroids was blocked. This caused them to shrink. The procedure took about 1 to 3 hours.

You were given a sedative and local pain medicine (anesthetic). An interventional radiologist made a 1/4-inch (0.64 centimeters)-long cut in your skin over your groin. A catheter (a thin tube) was put into the femoral artery at the top of your leg. The radiologist then threaded the catheter into the artery that supplies blood to your uterus (uterine artery).

Small plastic or gelatin particles were injected into the blood vessels that carry blood to the fibroids. These particles block the blood supply to the fibroids. Without this blood supply, the fibroids will shrink and then die.

What to Expect at Home

 

You may have a low-grade fever and symptoms for about a week after the procedure. A small bruise where the catheter was inserted is also normal. You may also have moderate to strong cramping pain for 1 to 2 weeks after the procedure. Your health care provider will give you a prescription for pain medicine.

Most women need 1 to 2 weeks to recover after UAE before returning to work. It may take 2 to 3 months for your fibroids to shrink enough for symptoms to decrease and your menstrual cycle return to normal. The fibroids may continue to shrink during the next year.

 

Self-care

 

Take it easy when you return home.

  • Move around slowly, only for brief periods when you first get home.
  • Avoid strenuous activity like housework, yard work, and lifting children for at least 2 days. You should be able to return to your normal, light activities in 1 week.
  • Ask your provider how long you should wait before having sexual activity. It may be about a month.
  • DO NOT drive for 24 hours after you get home.

Try using warm compresses or a heating pad for pelvic pain. Take your pain medicine the way your provider told you. Make sure you have a good supply of sanitary pads at home. Ask your provider how long you should avoid using tampons or douching.

You may resume a normal, healthy diet when you get home.

  • Drink 8 to 10 cups (2 to 2.5 liters) of water or unsweetened juice a day.
  • Try eating foods that contain a lot of iron while you are bleeding.
  • Eat high-fiber foods to avoid getting constipated. Your pain medicine and being inactive can cause constipation.

 

Bathing

 

You may take showers when you get home.

DO NOT take tub baths, soak in a hot tub, or go swimming for 5 days.

 

Follow-up

 

Follow up with your provider to schedule pelvic ultrasounds and exams.

 

When to Call Your Health Care Provider

 

Call your provider if you have:

  • Severe pain that your pain medicine is not controlling
  • Fever higher than 101°F (38.3°C)
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Bleeding where the catheter was inserted
  • Any unusual pain where the catheter was inserted or in the leg where the catheter was placed
  • Changes in color or temperature of either leg

 

 

References

Dolan MS, Hill C, Valea FA. Benign gynecologic lesions. In: Lobo RA, Gershenson DM, Lentz GM, Valea FA, eds. Comprehensive Gynecology . 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2017:chap 18.

Spies JB, Czeyda-Pommersheim F. Uterine fibroid emboloization. In: Mauro MA, Murphy KPJ, Thomson KR, Venbrux AC, Morgan RA, eds. Image-Guided Interventions . 2nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2014:chap 76.

Yang-Kauh C. Complications of gynecological procedures, abortion, and assisted reproductive technology. In: Adams JG, ed. Emergency Medicine . 2nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2013:chap 125.

 

        A Closer Look

         

          Talking to your MD

           

            Self Care

             

              Tests for Uterine artery embolization - discharge

               

                 

                Review Date: 10/4/2016

                Reviewed By: John D. Jacobson, MD, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda Center for Fertility, Loma Linda, CA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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