ADENOMYOSIS
Adenomyosis is a condition where the cells that line the inside of the uterus (endometrium) that shed every month grow into the muscle of the uterus.
The cells are hormonally responsive so every month, these cells thicken, break down, and bleed. Women with this condition typically suffer from very heavy and painful periods which are similar to fibroid-related symptoms but typically, pain is the major component.
MRI is the medical imaging test of choice to make the diagnosis with a very typical picture. Women with fibroids can also have co-existent adenomyosis.
Uterine Artery Embolisation is proven to offer long-lasting relief from the symptoms of adenomyosis.
The embolisation procedure to treat the condition is similar to the fibroid embolisation procedure, the only major difference is the size of the particles used. Smaller particles are preferred in women suffering from this condition to get a deeper penetration of the particles into the abnormal tissue.
Uterine Artery Embolisation is a permanent and minimally invasive treatment which preserves the uterus.
Women suffering from this condition no longer have to have a hysterectomy to treat this condition.
Enlarged View of Adenomyosis Within the Uterus
Uterine Artery Embolisation is recommended in women suffering from adenomyosis and who do not want to undergo a hysterectomy.
Step 1
A thin tube (catheter) is placed in the radial artery of the wrist which is advanced into the blood vessels that supply the uterus.
Step 2
Tiny particles are injected through the catheter into the small arteries that supply the adenomyosis within the uterus. The particles starve it of its nutrient and oxygen supply.
Step 3
The condition disappears as the muscle of the uterus heals. The effect on bleeding is instantaneous and period pains improve with the very next cycle.
