What is uterine artery embolization?

       Uterine fibroids are benign tumors arising from the smooth muscle of the uterus, and are the most common benign tumors in gynecology, known as the “first tumor in women”. The incidence of fibroids can be 20%-40% in women aged 30-50. Symptoms include excessive menstruation, prolonged menstruation, increased leucorrhea, lower abdominal distension or dysmenorrhea, anemia, abdominal mass, etc. The enlargement of fibroids may produce symptoms of pressure such as frequent urination, urinary urgency and constipation.  Surgical removal is the traditional treatment for fibroids. However, the uterus is not only a normal reproductive organ, but also has important endocrine functions. After hysterectomy, endocrine functions may be affected and perimenopausal symptoms may appear, which may affect the quality of life to some extent. Many women refuse surgical treatment because they do not want to lose their uterus and suffer from the disease for a long time.  Uterine artery embolization (UAE) provides a new treatment method for patients with fibroids who want to preserve the uterus. The principle is to insert a thin catheter into the uterine artery through a femoral artery puncture and inject an embolic agent to block the blood supply to the fibroids and cause them to become ischemic and atrophy, while leaving the normal uterine tissue unaffected. This method has been universally accepted both at home and abroad and has become a milestone in the treatment of fibroids.  Adenomyosis is an invasion of the endometrial glands and mesenchyme into the myometrium to form a diffuse or confined lesion, and is a common gynecological condition. It often leads to symptoms such as secondary dysmenorrhea and increased menstrual flow, thus seriously affecting women’s physical and mental health. Adenomyosis is often combined with uterine fibroids and therefore treated in a similar way.  The main advantages of minimally invasive uterine intervention: 1. The uterus can be preserved intact, and the normal physiological functions of the uterus and ovaries are preserved, especially the chance of normal fertility.  2. Local anesthesia, small trauma, short hospital stay, quick recovery, and can be discharged 1-2 days after surgery. It is easier and more cost effective than traditional surgery.  3.Avoiding surgical trauma and postoperative complications, it has almost no effect on female endocrine function, while the treatment effect is similar to surgery.