Uterine fibroids are benign abnormal growths of the muscle wall of the uterus. They are sometimes referred to by several other names including leiomyoma and fibromyoma. Fibroids develop in up to 70% of women but only a small proportion of women with fibroids develop symptoms. If there are no symptoms there is no need to worry about fibroids.
There is a higher incidence in Afro-Caribbean women and those who don't have children. There is also thought to be a genetic connection, as fibroids sometimes run in families. Fibroids are also commoner in obese women.
Ultrasound images of a uterine fibroid
A) Before B) After
MRI of a large fibroid (a) before and (b) after uterine fibroid embolisation showing a successful treatment
Following the UFE, you will be taken back to your room where you will be looked after by nursing staff familiar with embolisation procedures. You will need to lie in bed for a few hours. You will have a morphine pump and given medication for nausea due to the morphine. Most patients will be able to return home the next day and return to normal activities within one to two weeks after the procedure. Before you go home, appointments for an MRI scan and a 3 month follow up clinic appointment with your Interventional Radiology Consultant will be arranged. If you do have any concerns after discharge from hospital, you should get in touch to make an earlier appointment to see the doctor.
