WOMEN’S HEALTH SERVICES
UTERINE FIBROID EMBOLISATION
What is the medical procedure called uterine fibroid embolisation?
Uterine fibroid embolisation is performed to shrink benign tumours (fibroids) in the uterus. The procedure aims to obstruct the blood supply to the fibroids, preventing these growths from developing even further. As a result, fine particles, like sand granules, are administered via injection through the arteries that nourish the fibroids. The particles then attach to the wall of the blood vessel, resulting in the formation of a blood clot, which obstructs the smooth passage of blood.
An interventional radiologist is qualified to perform uterine fibroid embolisation using small surgical equipment and imaging studies (fluoroscopy, ultrasound, MRI, X-ray or CT scan).
WHY DO YOU CARRY OUT UTERINE FIBROID EMBOLISATION?
The primary reason for the procedure is to treat fibroids, which result in heavy bleeding and pelvic pain. Fibroids are benign abnormalities that form in or near the uterus. These types of growths are made up of fibrous tissue and muscle, and all tend to differ in size.
While some women appear asymptomatic, others may develop the following symptoms:
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Intense pelvic pain
- Pain in the lower back
- Frequent urination
- Pain during sexual intercourse
WHAT HAPPENS DURING A UTERINE FIBROID EMBOLIZATION?
- An antiseptic solution to the groin to disinfect the area before the procedure.
- A sheath (small tube) is inserted in the groin region, which is used as a passageway to help guide the catheter through into the area that needs to be embolized.
- A special contrast dye is injected through the catheter, which helps locate the artery that needs to be blocked off and identify all the blood vessels that nourish each fibroid.
- Tiny particles are delivered through the blood vessels by means of the catheter.
- The sheath and catheter are removed.
- Bed rest for 4 hours post procedure with pain management in the ward.
FAQ
1What are the rare complications of untreated fibroids?
In rare instances, untreated fibroids can lead to infertility or cause complications which affect pregnancy.
2When do you recommend uterine fibroid embolisation?
- Anaemia is a low blood count that occurs from heavy menstrual bleeding.
- Full sensation in the abdominal region.
- Infertility as a result of untreated fibroids
- Pain in the legs or back due to increased pressure on the nerves as a result of untreated fibroids.
3Will my medical insurance cover the expense of uterine fibroid
Most medical insurance covers the costs of uterine fibroid embolization. It is a well-researched and recommended alternative to surgical management.
INTERVENTIONAL RADIOLOGY SERVICES
ONCOLOGY
- Trans-arterial chemoembolization for liver tumours
- Trans-arterial radioembolization for liver tumours.
- Placement of Percutaneous gastrostomy tubes and exchanges in patients with head and neck cancer.
- Permanent tunneled drains for Malignant pleural effusions and ascites
- Pleurodesis
- Refractory pain management using image guidance
- Kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty in patients with pathological compression fractures and pain.
- Port placements and removals
- PICC lines and Hickmann lines.
HEPATOBILIARY AND HEPATOLOGY
- Percutaneous Transhepatic Cholangiography with biliary drain and stent placements
- Trans-jugular intrahepatic portal-systemic Shunt TIPSS
- Coil and Balloon assisted retrograde transvenous obliteration (CARTO/BRTO)
- Liver ablations
- Trans jugular liver biopsies
- Cholecystostomy
- Portal vein embolization's
- Plugged liver biopsies
UROLOGY
- Nephrostomy
- Ureteric stents
- Removal of misplaced retrograde stents
- Suprapubic catheter placements and exchanges
- Varicocele embolization
- Renal Angiomyolipoma embolization
- Cryoablation of Renal Cell Carcinoma
- Prostate artery embolization
NEPHROLOGY
- Extensive experience in the management, placement and exchange of dialysis catheters.
- Optimization of AV fisulae
- Transjugular renal biopsies
GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT
- Percutaneous gastrostomy tube placement and conversion to gastro-jejunal tubes
- Embolization for bleeding
- Haemorrhoids
ENDOCRINE
- Adrenal venous sampling
- Parathyroid venous sampling
- Percutanous thyroid nodule ablation
INTERNAL MEDICINE
- Suction embolectomy for Pulmonary embolism
- Suction thrombectomy for DVT
- Hickmann Lines, PICC lines
- IVC Filters
VASCULAR
- IVC filters
- Vascular stenting
- Embolization's
- Angioplasty
- Tunneled lines
OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY
MUSCULOSKELETAL
- Geniculate artery embolization
- Frozen shoulder
- Plantar fasciitis
CAPE TOWN INTERVENTIONAL RADIOLOGY IS THE SWISS ARMY KNIFE OF A HOSPITAL
Client Reviews
I'm on my healing journey after I went for the Uterine Fibroid Embolisation procedure, that was the best decision ever. I'm feeling much better. Thanks to Dr Dale and the team that he is working with!
My mother was a patient at CTIR at the end of January 2025. It was a positive experience for both of us. She was treated with compassion and I received continuous feedback from Dr Creamer.
Dr Dale Creamer is a good doctor! I had a wonderful experience, he cares for his patients.
Dr. Creamer took the time to really understand our family’s needs, providing detailed and personalized care without overwhelming us with medical jargon. We felt comfortable, well-informed, and truly cared for throughout the experience. It was reassuring to have a doctor who explains things so clearly while making us feel at ease.
I want to express my sincere gratitude for the incredible procedure Dr Dale and his team performed on me to stop the bleeding in my stomach. There were so many alternative attempts before which didn’t work out. Thank you all for literally saving my life.
I would like to thank Dr Dale for the incredible care and expertise he provided leading up to, and during my surgery. His calm confidence and clear guidance every step of the way gave me strength. I have recovered so well at home thanks to his skill. I feel blessed to have been in such capable hands.
Thank you once again for the procedure that was done on me. Having blood clots in my leg veins, it is not always easy and I have to take a lot of things into consideration, being a risk for surgery. I am very happy with how the procedure was done and the healing went very well. I can feel a difference in my monthly cycle, and the pain is no more - it is such a relief! Thank you for always phoning and checking up on me.
Thank you for taking care of me so delicately. I really appreciate your kindness and professionalism. Now I am pain-free and getting better every day. My compliments to all of the team.
I'm writing to commend Dr. Dale for his exceptional medical expertise, professionalism, and compassionate care. He successfully performed a critical procedure that had previously failed multiple times with other specialists, ultimately saving my life. His meticulous attention to detail led to a successful outcome. His exceptional bedside manner and post-procedure care made a challenging experience much easier. His skill, dedication, and genuine care are unparalleled, and I highly recommend him to anyone in need of specialised intervention.
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