Uterine Artery Embolization
Possible Risks
UAE is considered quite safe. Although there are some risks associated
with the procedure, they are minor and less severe than those associated
with surgery. The most common problem, as described above, is pain. While
this is tolerable for most women, occasionally it is more severe and may
require a longer hospital stay. Nausea may pose a similar problem. These
symptoms can usually be controlled with oral medications. Approximately 2%
of patients will be readmitted to the hospital for intravenous pain
control. Infection occurs uncommonly after the procedure. This occurs less
than 3% of the time and can usually be treated with antibiotics. Rarely
(less than 1% of the time) the uterus can be injured by UAE, potentially
requiring a surgical treatment such as hysterectomy.
Risks and benefits must be considered carefully before any procedure.
Surgical treatments, such as hysterectomy and myomectomy also pose the
risk of infection as well as risk of injury to adjacent organs such as the
bladder and potential transfusion requirements.
No treatment is truly
risk-free. A woman should discuss the risks and benefits of any procedure
with her doctor prior to deciding upon the most appropriate treatment.
X-Ray Safety
X-rays are used safely every day to assist doctors, dentists,
chiropractors and other health professionals in diagnosing and treating
patients. The low dose of radiation associated with UAE is considered very
safe and should not be a major concern.
Common questions 
Information
in this section is provided by Rhode
Island Hospital's department of radiology, which offers a complete
range of diagnostic and interventional procedures for women, including
uterine artery embolization, a leading treatment for fibroid tumors. Back
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