Gyn-Related Procedures

Uterine artery embolization

Many women who are experiencing pain, heavy menstrual or postpartum bleeding, or pelvic pressure have uterine fibroids, a non-cancerous growth within the uterus, often appearing during childbearing years. Uterine artery embolization is a minimally invasive treatment and uses x-ray/fluoroscopic imaging to guide a catheter into the uterine arteries, then injecting particles to partially occlude the supply of blood flow to the uterine arteries, shrinking the size of the fibroids over time. This non-surgical treatment is done without full anesthesia and with less pain than traditional surgery, allowing a quick recovery compared with surgical options.

Symptoms

Symptoms of uterine fibroids include heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, constipation, backache, frequent urination, and menstrual periods lasting longer than a week.

Risk Factors

Risk factors for these fibroids include obesity, excessive alcohol consumption, a diet higher in red meat and lower in green vegetables, family history of uterine fibroids, and race.

Before Your Exam

Before the uterine artery embolization, tell your radiologist if you are pregnant or if there is a chance you may be pregnant. Talk about any recent illnesses or medications. You may be asked to stop taking NSAIDs or blood thinners prior to the procedure and to not eat or drink anything the night before. Wear loose clothing and plan to potentially stay in the hospital overnight.

Time required for your exam

This procedure typically takes 1 to 3 hours.

Gyn-Related Procedures

Chronic pelvic congestion syndrome

For patients with chronic pelvic pain, IR can use imaging to help diagnose and treat chronic pelvic congestion syndrome. These procedures are non-invasive and are becoming the first line treatment for such conditions.

Symptoms

Chronic pelvic congestion syndrome affects women with symptoms often including a dull pelvic ache that worsens when standing for a long time, before menstruation, during sexual intercourse, and in the late stages of pregnancy. Other symptoms can include backache, fatigue, varicose veins around vulva, buttocks, and legs, tender abdomen, increased urination, and hip pain.

Risk Factors

Pregnancy is the most common risk factor of this syndrome due to structural changes in the pelvis, increased weight and fluid volume, and the rise in estrogen weakening blood vessel walls.

Before Your Exam

Before a pelvic vein embolization, let your radiologist know if you are pregnant, may be pregnant, or are breastfeeding. Discuss any medications and recent illnesses with your doctor. Wear loose-fitting clothing and leave your jewelry at home.