Uterine artery embolization for adenomyosis

What happens during a uterine artery embolization to treat adenomyosis at the American Hospital of Paris?

• Procedure

  Uterine artery embolization to treat adenomyosis is performed at the American Hospital of Paris by one of our interventional radiologists. An anesthesiologist and nurse also remain by the patient’s side throughout the procedure.

  The procedure begins with the administration of a local anesthesia at the needle puncture site (either the groin or the wrist). Next, the doctor inserts a small catheter into the artery (femoral artery in the groin, or radial artery in the wrist) and then injects an iodine-based contrast agent. The contrast agent lets the doctor track the progression of the catheter as he or she guides it inside the arteries under X-ray guidance.

  Once the catheter is correctly positioned in the uterine arteries, the doctor performs the embolization by injecting biocompatible embolic microbeads that block the blood vessels.  This cuts off the blood supply to the adenomyosis, causing the tissue to die without posing a risk to the healthy uterine tissue.

  The interventional radiologist then removes the catheter and places a compression bandage over the puncture site. The procedure is pain-free and scar-free.

• Duration of the procedure

  The adenomyosis embolization procedure lasts 45 minutes to one hour on average.

• Postoperative follow-up

  After the procedure, you will be hospitalized for 24 to 48 hours. You might feel pain in your lower abdomen for a few hours, which can be easily relieved with analgesic medication. You can resume walking immediately if the catheter was inserted at the wrist, or after four hours if it was inserted at the groin.

  Once home, you may feel mild pain that persists for several days.  This can be relieved with the appropriate treatment.

  It is also normal to feel extreme fatigue after this type of procedure. We recommend a two-week leave from work.

  In all cases, the recovery time following an adenomyosis embolization procedure is much quicker than with surgery.

  It should also be noted that your adenomyosis symptoms will improve gradually. Some pain and bleeding may persist for the first two or three menstrual cycles following the procedure.

  Our medical team is available 24/7 via a hotline to answer any questions you may have. Our Emergency Care Center is also open 24/7 if you experience any abnormal symptoms.

• Cost and reimbursement

  Uterine artery embolization to treat adenomyosis is reimbursed by Assurance Maladie, the French national health insurance, and by private supplemental health insurers.

  In accordance with Article 53 of the French code of conduct for medical professionals, physician fees must be determined with tact and moderation and fall within the national average.
  You will benefit from the medical expertise and safety of a bona fide hospital and receive exclusive care delivered by our anesthesiology team and paramedical staff, all in a pleasant and comfortable environment.