Uterine Fibroid Surgery At Denver Fertility
The choice of Uterine fibroid surgery depends on factors such as your own wishes and your doctor’s medical advice about the size and location of the fibroids. Fibroids that do not cause symptoms, fibroids that are small, or occur in a woman who is nearing menopause often do not require treatment.
Signs and symptoms of fibroids that may need treatment:
- Heavy or painful menstrual periods that cause anemia or that disrupt a woman’s normal activities
- Bleeding between periods
- Rapid increase in growth of the fibroid
- Infertility
- Pelvic pain
- Urinary Frequency
Types of Uterine Fibroid Surgery
A myomectomy is the surgical removal of the fibroids, allowing us to leave the uterus intact. This can be accomplished through hysteroscopy, laparoscopy, robotically, or by open laparotomy. The surgical approach depends on the size and location of the fibroid. Myomectomy has also been shown to have a decreased likelihood of injury to the bowel, bladder, or ureter than hysterectomy. The uterus is left intact in this type of procedure so the patient may be able to become pregnant after healing.
A hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus (and fibroids). It is a commonly performed surgical procedure in the treatment of fibroids and is curative. Depending on the size of the fibroid, hysterectomy can be performed with incisions through the vagina or abdomen.
Uterine artery embolization or clotting of the arterial blood supply to the fibroid, is an innovative approach that has shown promising results. This procedure is done by inserting a small tube into an artery of the leg, using special X-ray video to trace the arterial blood supply to the uterus, then clotting the artery with tiny plastic or gelatin sponge particles. This material blocks blood flow to the fibroid and shrinks it. This method may prove to be a good option for women if other methods have not worked, she does not want surgery, or may not be a good candidate for surgery. This method is not a good option for women that want to conceive. It can have some serious complications.
