UAE is potentially a life changing yet simple procedure for many women without resorting to hysterectomy.
Uterine artery embolisation (UAE) is a safe, minimally invasive, non-surgical alternative to a hysterectomy. Reducing heavy periods and relieving pain, the procedure has been shown to be as effective in 90% of women suffering from adenomyosis. Having had UAE, 95% of women are able to avoid a hysterectomy.
What Is Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE) for Adenomyosis?
UAE is suitable for women who have failed conservative medical therapy or Mirena IUD, yet trying to avoid a hysterectomy.
The procedure and its benefits can be summarised as follows:
- Local anaesthetic procedure
- Proven to be safe and effective
- 90% patient satisfaction rate
- No surgical cuts, no general anaesthesia
- 1 – 2 nights hospital stay
- 1-week recovery
- Keep your uterus and pelvic floor intact
Uterine artery embolisation (UAE) means means blocking of the arteries supplying the uterus. It is performed by an interventional radiologist. Only a tiny nick on the skin is needed to allow insertion of a small 1 – 2mm diameter tube called catheter into the femoral artery in the groin. The catheter is navigated to the uterine artery under X-ray guidance. Tiny particles are then injected inside the uterine arteries to block the blood flow, thereby starving and killing the adenomyosis tissue. Normal uterine tissue has immense capacity to recruit dormant vessels are therefore remains unharmed.
The procedure is suitable for women who wish to avoid a hysterectomy, keep their uterus and recover quickly.