-
Women are
sterile after hysterectomy; they remain fertile after
embolisation.
-
Uterine
embolisation is carried out under conscious sedation; no
general anaesthetic or surgery is involved therefore: -
- The recovery time is much shorter than surgery 2-5
weeks
compared with 2-3 months
- Heavy haemorrhaging requiring blood transfusion and
postoperative adhesions can be side effects of both surgical
procedures - hysterectomy and myomectomy.
-
There is less
likelihood of serious complications because:-
- There is no general anaesthetic
- The entry site for the catheter used in
embolisation is tiny so:-
- The risk of infection is much lower than
surgery
- Recovery is much quicker because there is
almost no
muscle, skin or organ damage from surgery
-
Deep vein
thrombosis can occur after surgery leading to pulmonary
embolism, a
blood clot on the lung that can be fatal. This is much less
likely with
embolisation
-
There is less
likelihood of long term complication because all organs and
tissues
remain in situ so:
-
There
has been no documented case of urinary incontinence with
embolisation.
-
The
uterus and cervix remain intact and these play a part in the
orgasm and women's enjoyment of sex.
-
Lifting
and physical activity is not affected.
-
It only
involves a short hospital stay - 1 night compared with 1-2
weeks for
surgery
-
Gynaecologists
are unable to advise women prior to hysterectomy
what will need to be
removed - uterus, cervix and in some cases
ovaries. Some find this
unacceptable.
-
Women having
hysterectomy reach the menopause approximately 5
years earlier than
those who don't - this not only causes distress to the
women, but also
has costs associated with HRT etc.
-
Fibroids often
reoccur after myomectomy
-
Some women
become clinically depressed after hysterectomy
-
Many women
feel they are no longer 'feminine' after hysterectomy
