There are a variety of surgical treatments for fibroids. The type of treatment depends on a variety of factors including the size, location and number of fibroids, medical history, and childbearing status. Surgeons at the UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital Fibroid Center choose minimally invasive techniques whenever possible.
The laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation procedure, also known as “Acessa” uses thermal energy to shrink uterine fibroids. Shrinking the fibroids can improve bleeding and other symptoms due to size of fibroids. The best candidates for this procedure are premenopausal patients with fibroid size less than 8 cm and who do not desire future pregnancy. This procedure is performed under general anesthesia. The patient typically goes home the same day and recovery time is about 2 weeks.
Myomectomy is a procedure that removes visible fibroids from the uterine wall. Myomectomy leaves the uterus in place and may preserve the ability to have children. There are several ways to perform a myomectomy – abdominal, hysteroscopic, or laparoscopic. While a myomectomy may successfully control symptoms, fibroids may grow back after several years.
Laparoscopic myomectomy a minimally invasive procedure performed under general anesthesia, involves inserting a laparoscope near the belly button and making small incisions in the lower abdomen. The fibroids are removed and the uterus is closed using laparoscopic technique. The patient typically goes home the same day; the average recovery time is about 2 weeks.
Hysteroscopic myomectomy is removal of fibroids through the cervix, without incisions on the abdomen. This type of myomectomy is best for patients with fibroids that are located inside the uterine cavity. The doctor inserts a hysteroscope into the uterus through the cervix and removes the fibroids using special surgical tools fitted to the scope. The patient typically goes home the same day and the average recovery time is about 3 days.
Abdominal myomectomy is the removal of fibroids through a large abdominal incision. This type of myomectomy is best for patients with a large number of fibroids and/or very large size of fibroids. This procedure is performed under general anesthesia. This procedure requires admission to the hospital for several days and the average recovery time is 4 to 6 weeks.
Hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus and cervix. Hysterectomy does not include removal of the ovaries and therefore hormone levels are not affected. Hysterectomy is usually recommended when the fibroids are causing symptoms, when they have grown rapidly, or when the fibroids are of large size. The advantage of hysterectomy in the treatment of fibroids is that it provides a true "cure.” When the uterus is removed, fibroids cannot grow back. Additionally, by removing the uterus, a patient will no longer have periods. This option is only for women who are not planning future pregnancies.
A laparoscopic hysterectomy is a minimally invasive procedure and involves removal of the uterus through small incisions on the abdomen. This is the most common type of hysterectomy offered through The Fibroid Center and can be offered to patients with a large uterus. Our minimally invasive gynecologic surgeons at The Fibroid Center are trained in the removal of very large fibroid uteri using minimally invasive techniques. This procedure is performed under general anesthesia. The patient typically goes home the same day and the average recovery time is about 4 weeks.
A vaginal hysterectomy is a minimally invasive procedure and involves removal of the uterus and cervix through incisions in the vagina without incisions on the abdomen. This form of hysterectomy is best for candidates with a normal sized uterus who have not had prior abdominal surgery and have had prior vaginal deliveries. This procedure is performed under general anesthesia. The patient typically goes home the same day and the average recovery time is about 4 weeks.
An abdominal hysterectomy is the removal of the uterus through a large incision on the abdomen. This type of hysterectomy is recommended if the uterus and fibroids are extremely large. This procedure is performed under general anesthesia. This procedure requires admission to the hospital for several days and the average recovery time is 6 weeks.
The Magee Fibroid Treatment Center combines the expertise of board-certified gynecologists and interventional radiologists with extensive experience in this minimally invasive procedure. These specialists offer consultation services for women seeking information treatment options for uterine fibroids.
For more information, please call the program coordinator at the Magee Fibroid Treatment Center: 412-641-4435.
University of Pittsburgh Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences
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