Embolization

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.

• Care notes
• Ambulatory
• Discharge
• Español

You may have pain for a few days to weeks. This is normal and should get better with pain medicine. Follow your healthcare provider's instructions for limiting activity and preventing infection.

DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Call your doctor or specialist if:

• You have a fever higher than 100.4°F (38°C).
• You have a fever, pain, and nausea that last longer than 3 days.
• You suddenly have severe abdominal pain.
• You cannot urinate, or you urinate very little.
• You have signs of an infection at the catheter site, such as red streaks, pain, or swelling.
• You have new or worsening pain.
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions

Medicines:

You may need any of the following:

• NSAIDs help decrease swelling and pain or fever. This medicine is available with or without a doctor's order. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If you take blood thinner medicine, always ask your healthcare provider if NSAIDs are safe for you. Always read the medicine label and follow directions.
• Prescription pain medicine may be given. Ask your healthcare provider how to take this medicine safely. Some prescription pain medicines contain acetaminophen. Do not take other medicines that contain acetaminophen without talking to your healthcare provider. Too much acetaminophen may cause liver damage. Prescription pain medicine may cause constipation. Ask your healthcare provider how to prevent or treat constipation.
• Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.

Self-care:

• Rest as needed. Rest and sleep will help your body heal.
• Follow your healthcare provider's instructions for activity. He or she will tell you when it is okay to return to your normal activities and to start driving. He or she may want you to wait 1 to 2 weeks to return to work.
• Care for the catheter site as directed. It is okay to shower after the procedure. You will only have a small cut in your skin from where the catheter went into your leg. Check the catheter site for signs of infection, including red streaks, pain, and swelling.
• Treat symptoms of postembolization syndrome. This syndrome is common after an embolization procedure. It usually starts within 72 hours of the procedure and may last a few days. The main symptoms are fever, pain, and nausea. You will probably be able to manage your symptoms at home. Acetaminophen or an NSAID, such as ibuprofen, can reduce a fever and pain. You may need to eat lightly to manage nausea. Drink more liquids for the first week after the procedure to prevent dehydration.

Follow up with your doctor or specialist as directed:

You may need to have more tests to check if the procedure worked. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Further information

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