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Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE) In Mumbai

Non-Surgical Fibroid Treatment That Preserves Your Uterus

Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE) is a minimally invasive interventional radiology procedure that treats uterine fibroids by blocking the blood vessels that supply them, causing them to shrink and die. At Shree Hospitals, our specialist interventional radiologists perform UAE as a highly effective, non-surgical alternative to hysterectomy or myomectomy, preserving the uterus while achieving lasting relief from heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, pressure symptoms, and urinary frequency caused by fibroids.

What is Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE)?

Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE) is an interventional radiology procedure in which a thin flexible tube (catheter) is inserted through a small puncture in the wrist or groin and guided under X-ray imaging (fluoroscopy) into the uterine arteries - the blood vessels that supply the uterus and its fibroids. Tiny particles (embolic agents) are then injected through the catheter to block these arteries, cutting off the blood supply to the fibroids. Without blood flow, the fibroids shrink and die over the following weeks and months.

Uterine fibroids (also called leiomyomas or myomas) are non-cancerous growths of the uterine muscle that affect up to 70% of women by age 50. While many fibroids are asymptomatic, those causing heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding, severe pelvic pain or pressure, bloating, urinary frequency, constipation, or difficulty conceiving require treatment. UAE treats all fibroids present in the uterus simultaneously in a single procedure, unlike myomectomy which removes individual fibroids surgically and may miss smaller ones.

At Shree Hospitals, UAE is performed by our experienced interventional radiology team in a dedicated angiography suite using advanced digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and fluoroscopic guidance. The procedure is performed under conscious sedation (the patient is awake but comfortable and pain-free) with overnight admission. Our gynaecology team works in close collaboration with the interventional radiology team to ensure comprehensive care from pre-procedure planning through to post-procedure recovery and follow-up.

When Should You Consider UAE for Uterine Fibroids?

You may be a candidate for UAE if you experience:

• Heavy menstrual bleeding (soaking through pads or tampons, passing clots) causing anaemia or affecting quality of life
• Pelvic pressure or pain from enlarged fibroids pressing on surrounding organs
• Urinary frequency or urgency from fibroids pressing on the bladder
• Abdominal bloating or visible uterine enlargement from large fibroids
• Fibroids confirmed on ultrasound or MRI that are causing significant symptoms

Is UAE the Right Treatment for Your Fibroids?

UAE is particularly suitable if:

• You have symptomatic uterine fibroids confirmed on imaging
• You wish to avoid major surgery (hysterectomy or myomectomy) and general anaesthesia
• You want to preserve your uterus (UAE is uterus-preserving)
• You have multiple fibroids making surgical myomectomy complex
• You have completed your family or are not planning pregnancy in the near future (fertility after UAE requires specialist counselling)
• You are not a surgical candidate due to medical co-morbidities

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Our Approach to UAE

At Shree Hospitals, UAE is delivered through a structured, multi-disciplinary pathway. Our interventional radiologists and gynaecologists jointly assess every patient to confirm UAE is the most appropriate treatment for their fibroid type, size, and symptom profile before proceeding.

Pre-Procedure MRI and Multi-Disciplinary Assessment

Every UAE candidate undergoes dedicated pelvic MRI before the procedure to map the number, size, location, and blood supply of all fibroids. This is reviewed jointly by the interventional radiologist and gynaecologist. Fibroid subtypes (submucosal, intramural, subserosal, pedunculated) are assessed as they influence both the UAE technique and expected outcomes. Blood tests confirm haemoglobin and exclude other causes of abnormal bleeding.

Precision Fluoroscopy - Guided Embolization

UAE is performed in our dedicated angiography suite under digital subtraction fluoroscopy. A radial or femoral arterial access is used. A microcatheter is advanced selectively into each uterine artery in turn. Embolic microspheres of precisely calibrated size are injected until complete devascularisation of the fibroid blood supply is confirmed. The normal uterine blood supply is preserved.

Comprehensive Pain Management

Post-embolization pelvic cramping is the most common and expected side effect of UAE as the fibroids lose their blood supply. Our team provides a structured post-procedure pain management protocol including intravenous analgesia, anti-inflammatory medications, and anti-nausea agents during the overnight stay, ensuring patient comfort throughout the post-procedure period.

Interventional Radiology Services at Shree Hospitals

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