The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road, SW1W 8RH London
Fibroid embolisation
UTERINE ARTERY EMBOLISATION
A minimally invasive procedure that blocks the arteries that supply blood to your uterine fibroids
What are fibriods?
Fibroids develop in the muscular wall of your womb (uterus) and receive blood from the vessels that branch out from the arteries that supply your womb.
Fibroid embolisation blocks most of these arteries, causing the fibroids to shrink. Your uterus develops a different blood supply so is not affected.
Need to know
Your consultant will use an X-ray camera to guide the delivery of tiny particles to your womb and fibroids. The particles and contrast dye are injected into the artery supplying the fibroids with blood through a thin, flexible tube called a catheter.
You will need to have some imaging tests performed on your uterus to locate the number, size and location of your fibroids. This may be either an ultrasound or MRI scan.
You will need to inform your consultant if you are taking any medications to thin your blood or for diabetes.
You will need to fast (no food) for six hours before the procedure and can not drink water from two hours before the procedure.
You will be sent to the recovery area and must remain flat for four hours post-procedure. Your blood pressure and pulse will be closely monitored.
You are likely to need to stay in hospital for one night, depending on the rate of your recovery. You will experience some bruising where the artery was punctured but this should reduce after a few days. You will be administered painkillers for any pain you may be experiencing.
Self-funding
Paying for medical treatment
You don't need medical insurance to have fast access to our top consultants, extensive range of treatments, diagnostic tests and surgical procedures at our leading facilities.
Our Fibroid embolisation locations
The Portland Hospital
205-209 Great Portland Street W1W 5AH London
The Wellington Hospital
8A Wellington Place NW8 9LE London
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street W1G 8BJ London
The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
The Shard Outpatients
The Shard, 32 St Thomas Street SE1 9BS London
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.