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Get A QuoteUterine Artery Embolization Treatments in India
Uterine Artery Embolization
- Days In Hospital 1 days
- Outside Hospital Stay 7 days
- Success Rate %
Minimum Cost
$ 1800
Maximum Cost.
$ 3300
Overview of Uterine Artery Embolization in India
A minimally invasive medical technique called uterine artery embolisation (UAE) is used to treat uterine fibroids and adenomyosis, among other disorders affecting the uterus. By selectively blocking the blood veins that supply the uterus, this novel method successfully lowers blood flow to troublesome areas. By doing this, the UAE can help women with these diseases live better lives and experience less symptoms.
A minimally invasive procedure is carried out by an interventional radiologist using imaging guidance. A catheter, usually introduced through a little groin incision, is used to inject tiny particles into the uterine arteries during UAE. These particles cause the fibroids or afflicted tissue to shrink and, in many cases, significantly lessen their symptoms by obstructing the blood supply to them.
Uterine fibroids, which are non-cancerous growths in the uterus that can result in excessive menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, and pressure symptoms, are the main conditions for which UAE is utilised. It also works well for treating adenomyosis, a disorder that causes comparable symptoms when the tissue that normally borders the uterus develops into the muscular wall of the uterus. The uterus is preserved in the UAE, which some women may find significant. It may affect fertility, tho, and its safety for pregnant women is still being assessed.
What Is Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE)?
A minimally invasive surgery called uterine artery embolisation (UAE) is most frequently performed to treat vaginal bleeding brought on by uterine fibroids, which are noncancerous tumours inside the uterus. UAE can cure fibroids as well as severe bleeding in emergency cases brought on by trauma, malignant (cancerous) gynaecological tumours, or postpartum haemorrhage.
Uterine fibroid embolisation (UFE) and uterine artery embolisation are frequently used synonymously. But they're not the same. Uterine fibroids are treated using UFE, a specific type of UAE. Uterine fibroids and a number of other disorders that can result in vaginal bleeding are treated in UAE.
Types of Uterine Artery Embolization:
Although uterine artery embolisation is often carried out as a single treatment, several approaches and techniques may be used depending on the needs of each patient and the unique features of the fibroids or adenomyosis. Depending on the patient's needs, a number of UAE procedures can be applied:
Selective Uterine Artery Embolization
The most popular method involves the interventional radiologist specifically targeting the uterine arteries that give blood to the fibroids. This technique guarantees that the embolisation is concentrated on the troublesome regions while maintaining blood flow to the uterine tissue that is healthy.
Bilateral Uterine Artery Embolization
To get the best outcomes, both uterine arteries may occasionally need to be embolised, particularly if fibroids are found in several different places. This strategy may improve the procedure's ability to lessen symptoms.
Superselective Embolization
A more focused embolisation of smaller uterine artery branches that supply particular fibroids may be carried out in some circumstances by the interventional radiologist. Larger or more complicated fibroids may benefit from this method.
Procedure:
To guarantee the procedure's success and reduce hazards, preparation for uterine artery embolisation is essential. The essential actions and guidelines for patients are as follows:
Consultation: Patients will have a comprehensive consultation with their healthcare professional prior to the surgery. This entails talking about any allergies, current medications, and medical history.
Imaging Tests: To determine the location and size of fibroids, patients may have imaging tests such an MRI or ultrasound. These tests aid in the doctor's efficient procedure planning.
Blood Tests: To monitor for anaemia, liver function, and kidney function, routine blood tests may be necessary. These examinations aid in determining the patient's suitability for the operation.
Medication Review: All prescription meds, including over-the-counter medications and vitamins, should be disclosed to the physician. Before the procedure, several medications, particularly blood thinners, may need to be temporarily stopped or altered.
Instructions for Fasting: Before the operation, patients are usually instructed to abstain from food and liquids for a few hours. This is particularly crucial if anaesthesia or sedative may be utilised.
Transportation Arrangements: Patients should make arrangements for someone to drive them home following the surgery because UAE is typically conducted as an outpatient treatment. Their capacity to drive safely may be compromised by sedation.
Pre-treatment drugs: To help patients feel more at ease, doctors may prescribe painkillers or anxiety drugs to consume prior to the treatment.
Clothes and Personal Items: On the day of the procedure, patients should dress comfortably and loosely. Valuables might not be permitted in the operation room, so it's best to leave them at home.
Post-Procedure Care Plan: Patients should talk to their doctor about post-procedure care, which includes activity limitations and pain treatment.
Emotional Readiness: It's common to have anxiety before a medical procedure. Patients should take some time to unwind and think about talking to their doctor about any worries.
Uterine Artery Embolization: Step-by-Step Procedure
Patients can feel less anxious and more prepared for the procedure if they know what to anticipate during uterine artery embolisation. Here is a detailed rundown of the process:
Arrival and Check-In: Patients show up to the hospital and register. They might be required to take off any jewellery and personal belongings and put on a hospital robe.
Pre-Procedure Assessment: In addition to taking vital signs, a nurse may enquire about any last-minute worries. To provide medication, an intravenous (IV) line may be inserted into the arm.
Sedation: To assist patients relax, sedatives are usually administered. The majority of treatments are carried out under conscious sedation, though general anaesthesia may be required in some situations.
Accessing the Blood Vessels: After cleaning the skin around the groin region, the interventional radiologist will administer a local anaesthetic. To reach the femoral artery, a little skin incision is made.
Catheter Insertion: Using fluoroscopy (real-time X-ray imaging), a thin, flexible tube known as a catheter is placed into the femoral artery and directed through the blood vessels to the uterine arteries.
Embolisation: After the catheter is inserted, the uterine arteries are filled with microscopic particles known as embolic agents. The fibroids gradually shrink as a result of these particles obstructing blood flow to them.
Monitoring: To stop bleeding, the catheter is taken out after the embolisation and pressure is administered to the site of the incision. For several hours, patients are kept under observation in a recovery section.
Post-Procedure Instructions: Following stabilisation, patients are given advice on how to manage their discomfort, limit their activities, and keep an eye out for any complications at home.
Discharge: Patients are usually released the same day, however they need a ride home. To track healing and evaluate the procedure's efficacy, follow-up meetings will be planned.
Recovery: For a few days following the operation, patients may have mild to moderate pain and cramps. Most people can resume their regular activities within a week, but it's crucial to heed the healthcare provider's recommendations regarding activity levels.
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Cost of Uterine Artery Embolization in India
In India, uterine artery embolisation typically falls somewhere around $1,800 to $3,300 USD, give or take a bit. The final price is not always the same, because a few things can nudge it up or down, like the hospital set up, and even the overall care process.
Hospital selection, for example, can matter a lot. Some hospitals have better facilities and more experience, so their cost structures may feel a little different.
Location is another factor, urban cities are often pricier compared to rural areas, mostly due to higher operational expenses.
Room type also changes the bill. If someone picks a private room vs a semi-private room, or goes with a general room, the total can be different, even if the procedure itself is similar.
Then there are complications. If anything unexpected happens during or after the embolisation , there could be extra charges, for further monitoring, treatment, or additional follow-up steps.
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Indications of Uterine Artery Embolization:
A patient may be a good candidate for uterine artery embolisation based on a number of clinical circumstances and diagnostic results. Among them are:
Diagnosis of Uterine Fibroids: Women who have been identified with symptomatic uterine fibroids, especially those that cause pain, pressure, or excessive bleeding, are the best candidates for UAE. The existence and size of fibroids can be verified by imaging tests like MRIs and ultrasounds.
Adenomyosis Diagnosis: Depending on the severity of the problem, UAE may help some women with adenomyosis, which is characterised by painful periods and pelvic discomfort. In some situations, alternative therapies could be more appropriate.
Failure of Conservative Treatments: UAE may be taken into consideration as a next step if a woman has attempted conservative treatments, such as hormonal medicines or non-invasive procedures, without getting adequate results.
Desire to Preserve Uterine Function: UAE may be a desirable choice for women who want to keep their uterus intact for future pregnancies or who are not prepared for a hysterectomy.
Overall Health Status: Since some medical disorders may raise the risks of the treatment, candidates for UAE should be in generally good health. To ascertain appropriateness, a comprehensive assessment by a healthcare professional is necessary.
Age Considerations: UAE is frequently advised for women who are in their reproductive years and want to avoid more invasive surgical procedures, tho it can be performed on women of any age.
Risk Factors:
Uterine Artery Embolisation presents some risks and probable problems, just like any medical surgery. Even tho many people have good results, it's important to be informed of the procedure's common and uncommon hazards.
Common Risks:
Pain and Discomfort: Following the surgery, mild to moderate discomfort and cramps are typical. Over-the-counter painkillers can typically be used to manage this.
Nausea and Vomiting: Sedation or the body's response to the embolisation may cause nausea or vomiting in certain patients.
Bruising or Haematoma: The site of the incision may sustain bruises or develop a haematoma, which is a localised accumulation of blood outside of blood vessels that usually goes away on its own.
Infection: As with any invasive procedure, there is a chance that the pelvic area or the location of the incision could get infected.
Menstrual Changes: After UAE, some women may notice changes in their menstrual cycle, such as heavier or irregular periods.
Rare Risks:
Uterine Necrosis: In rare instances, tissue death (necrosis) may result from a compromised blood supply to the uterus. Severe consequences may arise from this, necessitating additional therapy.
Ovarian Failure: Although rare, there is a chance that the ovaries' blood supply may be impacted, which could result in ovarian failure.
Allergic Reactions: The contrast dye used during the operation may cause mild to severe allergic reactions in certain patients.
Blood Clots: After the procedure, there is a slight chance of forming blood clots in the lungs (pulmonary embolism) or legs (deep vein thrombosis).
Need for Further Surgery: In certain situations, UAE may not completely alleviate symptoms or problems may develop, requiring additional surgical intervention.
Fistula Formation: Occasionally, the uterus and other organs may develop a fistula, which is an improper connection that can cause more problems.