What is Embolization Surgery?
Embolization surgery is a minimally invasive, image-guided medical procedure that deliberately blocks or reduces blood flow to a specific area of the body. It is performed by specially trained interventional radiologists using advanced imaging techniques such as angiography, fluoroscopy, or CT guidance. During the procedure, a thin catheter is carefully inserted into a blood vessel, usually through a small puncture in the groin or wrist, and guided to the targeted site. Special embolic agents such as coils, particles, glue, foam, or liquid substances are then released to obstruct abnormal or excessive blood supply, helping to control bleeding, shrink tumors, treat aneurysms, fibroids, or manage vascular malformations.
The primary goal of embolization surgery is to treat disease while preserving surrounding healthy tissue and minimizing the need for open surgery. Because it does not require large incisions, the procedure results in less pain, minimal blood loss, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery compared to conventional surgical methods. Embolization is widely used across multiple medical specialties, including oncology, gynecology, neurology, and trauma care, making it a versatile and effective treatment option. With its high precision, safety profile, and patient-friendly approach, embolization surgery has become a preferred alternative for patients seeking effective treatment with reduced risk and improved quality of life.
Types of Embolization Surgery
Embolization surgery is classified based on the medical condition being treated and the target blood vessels involved. The most common types include:
- Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE): Used to treat uterine fibroids by blocking the blood supply to fibroid tissue, causing it to shrink while preserving the uterus. It is a preferred minimally invasive alternative to hysterectomy for many women.
- Aneurysm Embolization: Performed to prevent rupture of the brain or peripheral aneurysms by filling the aneurysm with coils or flow-diverting materials, thereby stopping blood flow into the weakened vessel area.
- Tumor Embolization: Used in cancer care to reduce blood supply to tumors, helping to shrink them, control pain, or reduce bleeding. It is often combined with chemotherapy (chemoembolization) or radioactive agents (radioembolization).
- Bleeding Control Embolization: Applied in emergencies to stop internal bleeding caused by trauma, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, or post-surgical complications by sealing the bleeding vessel.
- Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM) Embolization: Treats abnormal connections between arteries and veins by blocking irregular blood flow, reducing the risk of hemorrhage and neurological complications.
- Pulmonary Embolization Procedures: Used in selected lung vascular abnormalities to block abnormal blood vessels or control hemoptysis (coughing up blood).
- Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE): A minimally invasive treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), reducing prostate size and urinary symptoms by limiting blood flow.
| Procedure Name | Embolisation |
|---|---|
| Type of Surgery | Minimally invasive, image-guided procedure |
| Type of Anesthesia | Local anesthesia with sedation |
| Procedure Duration | 1–3 hours (varies by condition and complexity) |
| Recovery Duration | 1–2 weeks (initial recovery in a few days) |
Embolisation: Pre-Op & Post-Op Care
Embolisation Surgery Pre-operative, Intra-operative, and Post-operative Care involves a structured, patient-focused approach to ensure safety, precision, and optimal outcomes at every stage of treatment. From careful evaluation and preparation to image-guided intervention and recovery support, each phase is designed to deliver effective results with minimal risk and faster healing.
Pre-operative Care
Before embolisation surgery, the patient undergoes a detailed clinical evaluation to determine suitability for the procedure. This includes blood tests, imaging studies such as CT, MRI, or angiography, and a review of medical history, medications, and allergies. Blood thinners may be temporarily stopped as advised by the doctor. Patients are usually instructed to fast for 6–8 hours before the procedure and are counseled about the procedure, benefits, risks, and expected outcomes to ensure informed consent and psychological readiness.
Intra-operative Care
Embolisation surgery is performed in a specialized catheterization laboratory under strict sterile conditions. Local anesthesia with sedation is commonly used to ensure patient comfort while keeping them awake. A small catheter is inserted through a blood vessel, typically in the groin or wrist, and guided to the target area using real-time imaging. Once positioned accurately, embolic agents such as coils, particles, glue, or liquid materials are released to block abnormal blood flow. Continuous monitoring of vital signs is maintained throughout the procedure to ensure safety.
Post-operative Care
After the procedure, the patient is closely monitored for several hours or overnight to observe for pain, bleeding, or any complications. Mild pain, fever, or nausea, known as post-embolisation syndrome, may occur and is managed with medications. Patients are advised to rest, maintain hydration, and avoid strenuous activities for a few days. Follow-up visits and imaging studies are scheduled to assess treatment success and recovery. Most patients can resume normal daily activities within one to two weeks, depending on the type of embolisation performed and overall health status.
Benefits of Embolisation at Yashoda Hospitals
- Minimally invasive procedure with no large surgical incisions
- Reduced pain, blood loss, and risk of infection compared to open surgery
- Shorter hospital stay and faster recovery time
- High precision in targeting abnormal blood vessels while preserving healthy tissue
- Effective control of bleeding, tumors, fibroids, aneurysms, and vascular malformations
- Organ-preserving treatment option (e.g., uterus, brain, kidneys)
- Suitable for patients unfit for major surgery
- Lower complication rates and improved safety profile
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