Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE) for Adenomyosis

Dr.Abhishek Bansal, 3 mins read

Uterine artery embolisation is one of the most effective and safe procedures for adenomyosis. It can eliminate the need for surgical intervention (usually involves removal of the whole uterus) and can ease the symptoms along with preserving the uterus.
The procedure involves injecting tiny particles inside the uterine arteries to block the blood supply to adenomyosis tissues. This causes the adenomyosis tissues to shrink and die.

What is Adenomyosis?

Adenomyosis is a condition where the tissue lining the uterus (endometrium) grows into the muscular wall of the uterus, causing the uterus to enlarge. It can result in painful and heavy periods, abdominal pressure and sometimes infertility.
The cause of adenomyosis is still unknown. It is mostly seen in women between the ages of 30 to 50 years, who have had at least one pregnancy.

Symptoms:

Patients either show no symptoms or may present with symptoms like chronic pelvic pain, heavy, prolonged menstrual bleeding, severe cramps during menstruation, abdominal pressure, pain during sex and difficulty in getting pregnant.

Diagnosis:

Adenomyosis can be diagnosed during a pelvic examination, in which the doctor checks for a soft and slightly enlarged uterus. A transvaginal ultrasound of the uterus can also be performed to check for the thickening of the uterine wall. If the doctor suspects any abnormality, they may recommend an MRI to check the enlargement and thickening of certain areas of the uterus.

Treatment:

Women who are on the verge of reaching menopause may not require any treatment. This is because the production of the hormone estrogen that causes endometrial tissue growth decreases post-menopause. Those who require the treatment may need:

• Medicines: Common symptoms of adenomyosis like heavy bleeding can be decreased by birth control pills and an IUD containing progesterone. Pain can be managed by medicines such as ibuprofen or naproxen.
• Adenomyomectomy: Surgical removal of the adenomyosis from the uterine muscle.
• Hysterectomy: Surgical removal of the complete uterus.
• Uterine artery embolisation: It is a non-surgical, minimally invasive procedure commonly used to treat uterus problems, including adenomyosis.

UAE Procedure:

First of all, local anaesthesia is given at the insertion site, usually in the groin or wrist, to numb the area. A thin tube (catheter) is then inserted into an artery either through the groin (femoral artery) or wrist (radial artery).
An interventional radiologist uses image guidance to guide the catheter to the uterine arteries. Once the catheter reaches the targeted area, it releases tiny particles to block blood flow to the adenomyosis. After the procedure, the catheter is taken out and the insertion site is bandaged.

Benefits:

• Pain Relief: Helps reduce pain caused by adenomyosis.
• Manages Heavy Bleeding: Controls excessive bleeding and reduces the need for blood transfusions or iron supplements.
• Quick Recovery: Recovery is faster since it is a minimally invasive procedure.
• Lower Risk of Complications: Less risky than a hysterectomy or other surgeries.
• Alternative to Hysterectomy: Helps preserve the uterus for future pregnancies.
• Outpatient Procedure: This can be done with local anaesthesia and patients are usually discharged the same day or the next day in some cases.
• Minimal Blood Loss: There is little to no significant bleeding during or after the procedure.

Uterine artery embolisation provides a safe and effective alternative for those looking to relieve adenomyosis symptoms without undergoing major surgery. If you are suffering from adenomyosis or have symptoms like those mentioned above, you should consult with our experts at Aakash Healthcare.

We are recognised as one of the best hospitals for adenomyosis treatment in Delhi, India, by our patients. With a team of highly experienced interventional radiologists who excel in uterine artery embolisation procedures, we are proud to treat innumerable patients.