Under The Knife

Now we're going to look at the surgical options for fibroid treatment. Women often turn to surgery if medical management hasn't worked, they are looking to correct infertility or they want to put an end to their fibroids once and for all.

Hysterectomy - This is complete removal of the uterus and the definitive (final) treatment for fibroids. Forty percent of all hysterectomies are performed because of fibroids, so this is a very common treatment. Of course this is only an option for women who don't want to have any more children. There are several different ways this surgery scan be done. With an abdominal hysterectomy the uterus is removed through a larger incision in the belly. A laparoscopic hysterectomy uses a camera through smaller incisions to complete the surgery. The procedure can also be done vaginally which results in no scars and usually a faster recovery. However, this cannot be done if the fibroids are very large. It's important to remember that a hysterectomy is a major surgery and will require a stay in the hospital no matter how it's done.

Myomectomy - This is a surgery where individual fibroids are removed while keeping the uterus intact. It's a good option for women who are trying to overcome infertility from their fibroids or those who want relief from symptoms but still want the option of having kids. Just like hysterectomies, there are many ways a myomectomy can be done including abdominally or laparoscopically. There is also the option of doing it with a hysteroscope or a camera that goes into the uterus. This is especially effective on those tricky submucosal fibroids that cause so many problems.

For any woman considering treatment for her fibroids it's important to consult a doctor. In order to make the best decision they will often need to get an ultrasound or MRI to get a better picture of the fibroids.


References:
http://www.upmc.com/HospitalsFacilities/Hospitals/Magee/SpecialtyServicesWomen/FibroidTreatmentCenter/Pages/SurgicalTreatments.aspx

Stewart, EW. Overview of treatment of uterine leiomyomas. In: UpToDate, Barbieri, RL (Ed), UpToDate, 
Waltham, MA, 2011.