|  | Surgeries Operations | Surgeries

Uterine Fibroid Embolism Complications

Uterine fibroid embolization is a procedure designed to inhibit the blood supply of fibroids, which are benign growths in the uterus that can cause pain and excessive bleeding. Using a catheter placed in the uterine arteries, a doctor injects particles into the arteries that cut off the blood supply and shrinks the fibroids.

  1. Oxygen Deprivation

    • Because the procedure requires releasing an embolic agent, which deprives an area of oxygen, it is possible that the agent could affect the wrong site. Instead of the uterine fibroids, it is possible to harm the uterine wall or other tissues.

    Infection Risk

    • While uterine fibroid embolization does not require incisions to be made in the skin, there is a possibility of infection in people because the skin is penetrated with surgical instruments (in this case, catheters). If patients experience symptoms such as a fever, swelling or pus-like drainage from the groin, medical attention should be sought.

    Blood Vessel Damage

    • Because the catheter is threaded inside the blood vessel, it is possible for the vessel to be punctured, damaged or bruised during the procedure. In addition to bleeding that must be stopped, this can cause increased risk of infection inside the body.

    Allergic Reaction

    • X-ray contrast is utilized during this procedure to visualize the location of the blood vessels. The contrast has been shown to cause allergic reaction, which can range in symptoms from itching to those that affect the ability to breathe. These symptoms should be carefully monitored during surgery to prevent any extreme reaction.

    Passing Fibroid Tissue

    • While the fibroids shrink and die off as a result of the procedure, it is possible for the fibroid tissue to be passed through the uterus. However, the tissue also can only partially detach, which can cause further pain and infection in the uterus. If this occurs, a procedure known as D & C--dilatation and currettage--is recommended to remove any excess fibroid pieces that may remain in the uterus.

Surgeries - Related Articles