A Minimally Invasive Approach to Fibroid Treatment for Future Pregnancy

Uterine fibroids are tumors that either grow in or on the uterus. Though usually non-cancerous, they can present a roadblock to women desiring to get pregnant. However, Plano Women’s Healthcare can help you reclaim your life without jeopardizing your chance of a healthy, future pregnancy. We are a compassionate medical practice with an all-female staff that offers a wide range of Obstetric and Gynecological services, including minimally invasive and robotic surgery to treat uterine fibroids.

Understanding and Diagnosing Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids are usually benign and are tumors that can grow in or on the uterus. They usually consist of muscle and connective tissue derived from the uterine wall. They sometimes grow in a singular fashion but may also be found in clusters. Importantly, the number, size, and location of fibroids can greatly vary.

Fibroids can affect fertility and the chance of pregnancy by blocking the fallopian tubes and disrupting gamete transport. In addition, they can change endometrial receptivity and hamper embryo implantation. Uterine fibroids are sometimes detected while women are having a routine pelvic exam. For example, the physician may note that the shape of the uterus feels odd, which can signal the presence of uterine fibroids.

There are several ways to diagnose the presence of fibroids. For example, an ultrasound may be performed so that the physician can better see the uterus. Ultrasounds also give us the ability to map and measure fibroid tumors. In some cases, an MRI or other diagnostic imaging, tests, and procedures may be used to diagnose uterine fibroids, including a hysteroscopy or laparoscopic surgery.

Common Symptoms of Fibroid Tumors

Though some fibroid tumors are asymptomatic and found accidentally during a routine pelvic exam, others present with symptoms. While there are several common symptoms of fibroid tumors, it is important to note that each individual is unique, and fibroids do not always present in the same way. Below are some of the common symptoms of fibroids:

Periods that are extremely heavy, painful, or long

Unexplained bleeding that occurs between periods

The development of anemia

Trouble emptying the bladder and the frequent urge to urinate

Painful sensations during intercourse

Pressure in the lower part of the abdomen

Pain in the lower back

Issues having regular bowel movements

If any of these symptoms are also combined with trouble conceiving, previous miscarriages, or preterm labor, uterine fibroids may be present. If you are diagnosed with uterine fibroids and want a future pregnancy, there are minimally invasive treatment options that can help preserve your uterus.

Myomectomy as a Treatment Option for Fibroids

There are multiple treatment options for uterine fibroids. However, options such as hysterectomies prevent future pregnancy due to the removal of the womb. When it comes to future pregnancy, a minimally invasive treatment option, such as a myomectomy, is needed to preserve the uterus.

Women who desire to get pregnant in the future may opt to receive a myomectomy. Myomectomy is a surgery that removes the fibroids and may even allow a patient to go home the same day. Though there is more than one type of myomectomy, Plano Women’s Healthcare specializes in laparoscopic and robotic surgeries. We will discuss each type of myomectomy here:

Laparoscopic Myomectomy

A laparoscopic myomectomy usually consists of three or four tiny incisions in the abdomen. A scope is then used to remove the fibroids in or on the uterus. Advantages of a laparoscopic myomectomy include less downtime and a faster recovery period.

Robotic Myomectomy

A robotic myomectomy also usually includes three or four small incisions in the abdomen. At Plano Women’s Healthcare, we perform robotic surgeries using our state-of-the-art da Vinci™ Surgery System. The da Vinci™ Surgery System allows surgeons to use robotic arms and a high-definition 3D camera for optimal visibility, precision, and flexibility. Similar to a laparoscopic myomectomy, downtime is minimized, and the recovery period is shortened.

Abdominal Myomectomy

Unlike a laparoscopic or robotic myomectomy, an abdominal myomectomy requires open surgery. It is often used to remove fibroids that are quite large or numerous. Once they are removed, several layers of stitches are used to sew the uterine muscle back together. This is a more invasive procedure accompanied by more downtime and a longer recovery period.

Hysteroscopic Myomectomy

A hysteroscopic myomectomy is used for a particular type of fibroid that can occur in the uterine cavity called a submucous fibroid. Physicians use a hysteroscopic resectoscope that accesses the uterine cavity by going up through the vagina and cervical canal. It is still less invasive than an abdominal myomectomy, and patients experience a minimal amount of downtime and a short recovery period.

It is important to note that though myomectomies can yield promising results, fibroids may still grow back in the future. It is also still important to note that the size, location, and number of fibroids play an important role in determining a physician’s course of action.

Benefits of Using Minimally Invasive Treatment Options

There are several benefits to using minimally invasive treatment options to address the presence of fibroids. In addition to keeping the uterus intact for women desiring a future pregnancy, it is less trauma to the body and allows women to spend less time in the hospital. Some myomectomies are performed as outpatient procedures and can have recovery periods as short as a couple of days.

Reclaim Your Health and Future at Plano Women’s Healthcare

Plano Women’s Healthcare can help you reclaim your health and future by using minimally invasive and robotic surgeries to remove uterine fibroids while preserving the uterus. We offer a comfortable clinic environment with an all-female staff to ensure you receive a kind and caring approach to your OB-GYN needs.