Kauvery Hospital performs first Bilateral UAE for severe fibroids in South Tamil Nadu

A 51-year-old woman suffering from severe uterine fibroids has been successfully treated at Kauvery Hospital in Tirunelveli. The procedure, known as Bilateral Uterine Artery Embolisation (UAE), marked the first time it was performed at the hospital. Doctors described it as a major step forward in fibroid treatment for South Tamil Nadu.

The patient had endured heavy menstrual bleeding and chronic blood loss anaemia since 2019. Over the years, she required repeated blood transfusions and intravenous iron sucrose injections to manage her condition.

Bilateral UAE is a minimally invasive technique that cuts off blood flow to fibroids, causing them to shrink. The procedure involved threading a small catheter through an artery and injecting tiny particles to block the vessels feeding the fibroids. Unlike traditional surgery, it preserved the uterus while providing effective symptom relief. Dr. Amalan Ignatius, Consultant Interventional Radiologist, led the treatment alongside a multidisciplinary team. The patient was discharged within 24 hours, and a follow-up scan seven days later confirmed no blood flow to the fibroids. As of March 2026, major hospitals in the region, including Apollo Hospitals in Madurai and Madurai Medical College, offer UAE. However, no public data exists on how many patients with severe symptomatic fibroids have undergone the procedure in South Tamil Nadu.

The successful UAE procedure at Kauvery Hospital demonstrates a new option for women with severe fibroids. It avoids major surgery while effectively reducing symptoms and recovery time. The hospital now provides this advanced treatment to patients in the region.