Fibroid tumors are noncancerous growths in the uterus that most commonly occur in women of child bearing age. They are found on the interior or exterior uterine surface, and may also be buried in the uterine wall. In most circumstances, fibroids pose no serious health risks, and treatment for their presence is not required. However, in some cases, the symptoms associated with fibroids are discomforting or severe, and removal of problem growths is necessary.
Myectomy
If your fibroid tumors require removal, there are a number of treatment options available. Myomectomy is a surgical procedure that allows for tumor removal while keeping the structure of your uterus intact. Different variations of the surgery are performed to address particular situations.
Laparoscopic myomectomy may be an option if you have a small number of fibroids or if your fibroids are relatively small. To begin this procedure, your surgeon will make a number of small incisions in your abdomen. He will then insert a device called a laparoscope, which consists of a thin, flexible tube with a miniature camera mounted on its end. Using images from this camera displayed on an external monitor, he will locate your fibroids and remove them with specially-designed surgical instruments inserted through the remaining abdominal incisions.
Abdominal myomectomy is a traditional open surgical procedure that is performed in cases where multiple fibroids are present, or fibroids are deep in the uterine tissue or large in size.
If your tumors are located inside your uterus, your surgeon may perform a procedure called a hysteroscopic myomectomy. This involves technology similar to that used for laparoscopic surgery, but instead of opening incisions in your abdomen, your surgeon will access your tumors through your vagina and cervix.
Endometrial Ablation
According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health, endometrial ablation is a technique that also may be used to treat fibroid tumors inside your uterus. Instead of removing your tumors directly, the procedure utilizes microwave energy, heat, electric current or hot water to destroy your uterine lining and any associated fibroids. Access for ablation is gained through your vagina and cervix. Be aware that a known side effect of this technique is the diminishing of your menstrual flow or a complete ending of menstruation.
Uterine Artery Embolization
If you are not planning to have children, uterine artery embolization is another technique that effectively treats fibroid tumors without surgical removal. In this procedure, your surgeon will use a catheter to access the blood vessels that feed your fibroids. Once access is achieved, he will insert a special blocking material that cuts of blood flow to the tumors. Without a blood supply, the tumors will wither away.
Hysterectomy
In cases where you need to ensure that fibroid tumors will not return, your gynecologist make recommend a hysterectomy, or complete removal of your uterus. This may be a viable option if you do not plan to have children in the future. Consult your gynecologist and surgeon for the details of any tumor removal technique they may recommend.
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