III. Uterine fibroid embolization: pain management.
Conscious sedation and analgesia are integral components of successful uterine fibroid embolization (UFE), both in providing comfort to the anxious patient undergoing an elective procedure and for providing relief of the severe pelvic pain, cramps, and nausea that may result from acute uterine ischemia and the postembolization syndrome that may follow. The agents used are typically those with which interventional radiologists already have extensive experience in the performance of a variety of invasive procedures. Immediate postprocedure care benefits greatly from the use of narcotic delivered via PCA (patient-controlled analgesia) pump. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are also particularly useful for treating the pain and cramping caused by UFE and help reduce the amount of narcotic necessary for pain relief during the recovery period. Detailed instructions for the first week of convalescence are necessary to insure comfort and avoid complications.
Siskin
Gary P
GP
Vascular and Interventional Section, Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, 510 S Kingshighway Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
Bonn
Joseph
J
Worthington-Kirsch
Robert L
RL
Smith
Steven J
SJ
Shlansky-Goldberg
Richard
R
Machan
Lindsay S
LS
Andrews
Robert T
RT
Goodwin
Scott C
SC
Hovsepian
David M
DM
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016292:Procedural Sedation; D004621:Embolization, Therapeutic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007430:Intraoperative Care; D007889:Leiomyoma / Q000628:therapy*; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011182:Postoperative Care; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000188:drug therapy; D014594:Uterine Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal