What are Uterine Fibroids?
Uterine fibroids, also known as uterine leiomyoma, myoma, fibromyoma, fibroleiomyoma, are benign smooth muscle tumors of the uterus. Most women have no symptoms while others may have painful or heavy periods. If they push on the bladder a frequent need to urinate may occur. They may also cause pain during sex or lower back pain. A woman can have one uterine fibroid or many of them. Occasionally fibroids may make it difficult to get pregnant although this is uncommon.
Fibroids are named according to their position in relation to the uterine muscle and cavity.
Intramural fibroids are located within the wall of the uterus and are the most common type; unless large, they may be asymptomatic. It may cause heavy bleeding with clots. With time, intramural fibroids may expand inwards, causing distortion and elongation of the uterine cavity.
Subserosal fibroids are located on surface of the uterus and can become very large. They can cause pressure over bladder and rectum producing urgent urination and constipation with back pain.
Submucosal fibroids are located in the muscle beneath the endometrium of the uterus and distort the uterine cavity; even small lesion in this location may lead to bleeding and infertility.
Cervical fibroids are located in the wall of the cervix (neck of the uterus.
Diagnosis
Fibroids are usually diagnosed during a gynecologic examination. The presence of fibroids is most often confirmed by a lower abdomen ultrasound. Fibroids can also be confirmed using MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). These imaging techniques serve as a baseline examination for follow-up after uterine fibroid embolization (UFE).
What Problems do Fibroids Cause?
No Symptoms : most fibroids up to the size of an orange (12 weeks pregnancy) cause any symptoms. Their mere presence is not a reason to treat them.
Submucus : most fibroids up to the size of an orange (12 weeks pregnancy) cause any symptoms. Their mere presence is not a reason to treat them.
Intramural : These fibroids are within the muscle of the uterus and can be very large. Because they enlarge the cavity of the uterus they can also cause heavy periods. The most common problem is PRESSURE symptoms on the bladder and rectum.
Subserous : These are external to the uterine muscle and are connected by a thin stalk. They are the least likely to be symptomatic and rarely need removal. TORSION (twisting) is a very rare complication..
Degeneration : Rarely there is liquifaction and bleeding within the center causing pain and fever. Infection may also occur. The most common occurrence is during pregnancy. Treatment is never surgery but conservative with fluids, pain and antibiotics.
Fibroids and Infertility, Miscarriage
- Usually, the submucus fibroids cause repeated miscarriages.
- Large intramural fibroids may be the cause of longstanding infertility if all other causes have been excluded.
Laparoscopic (Minimally Invasive) Fibroids Treatment - Uterine Fibroids Surgery at Super Speciality Hospitals in India
Surgical Treatment :
- The treatment for removing the fibroids from the uterine muscle is known as MYOMECTOMY.
- It is a specialized operation where the uterus is preserved for future fertility and only fibroids are removed.
- This operation is traditionally done through a LAPAROTOMY via a 'bikini' or 'up and down' incision.
- When the fibroids are less than 5 and less than 18 weeks size LAPAROSCOPIC myomectomy can be performed.
Laparoscopic Myomectomy (Keyhole, Minimally Invasive procedure to remove fibroids)
Myomectomy is the most suitable surgery option for women who have fibroids but wish to retain their uterus.
Laparoscopic Myomectomy :The advantage of this is that patients can go home the same or next day and be back to work in 1-2 weeks.
We use laser, harmonic scalpel, knife or electro surgery to remove the fibroids. The skill of the surgeon is paramount to results.
Minilap Myomectomy : This is another technique pioneered at our center where large multiple (up to 24 weeks) can be removed through a 2-inch bikini incision.
Patients can go home the next day after surgery.
Hysteroscopic Myomectomy : Submucus fibroids are removed by inserting a hysteroscope (small camera passed through the Vagina) and an electrical loop is used to remove the protruding part. This is rapid and effective surgery without the need of laparoscopy.
Estrogen is used after surgery to promote uterine lining re growth.
Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy :When the family is complete and patient has a symptomatic fibroid, the whole Uterus is removed via only four small holes in the tummy using laparoscopic technique.
Laparoscopic Myomectomy has many advantages over the abdominal (open) approach :-
You can get several benefits from the expertise of HealthTripToIndia which has helped a large number of patients from all around the world to get high quality medical treatment in India at best value.
- Minimal Pain.
- Minimal Blood Loss.
- Early Post Operative Recovery.
- No Scar.
- Faster Recovery.
- A shorter hospital stay.
- Decreased Adhesion formation.
- Better chances of post surgery pregnancy.
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