Kathmandu, September 13

A non-surgical procedure to remove uterine fibroids has been started in the country.

Uterine artery embolisation, a minimally invasive technique used for the treatment of abnormal tissues in uterus, was used on a 37-year-old female from Kathmandu by the doctors at Nepal Mediciti Hospital recently.

“Uterine artery embolisation is a minimal invasive treatment for uterine fibroids. A slender, flexible tube (catheter) is used to inject small particles into the uterine arteries that supply blood to the fibroids and uterus.

“It blocks blood vessels and causes the fibroids to shrink and die,” said Om Biju Panta, interventional radiologist at Nepal Medicity Hospital.

Fibroids are abnormal growths that develop in uterus. They are benign tumours of muscular and fibrous tissues.

Sometimes these tumors become large and cause severe abdominal pain and heavy periods.

Uterine fibroids can cause heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain and swelling of the abdomen in women. The procedure destroys fibroid tissues and eases such symptoms.

“Earlier women had to undergo surgery to remove fibroids. Uterus had to be removed if fibroids were larger. The procedure is helpful for women as they don’t have to undergo surgical process. Now, women do not have to lose their uterus in such cases,” said Interventional Radiologist Panta at the hospital.