Fibroid Removal Treatment

Fibroid removal is a medical procedure to take out uterine fibroids, which are non-cancerous lumps that grow in or on the uterus. The fibroids can cause symptoms like heavy periods, pain, and pressure on the bladder.

Fibroids grow in the uterus and are made up of two organs, namely:

• Connective Tissue
• Muscle Cells

Outer or inner side of the uterus are the two regions where this growth is predominant. Also known as leiomyomas, there are chances to have one or many fibroids, and these can be of non-uniform size. A medical procedure that removes uterine fibroid is known as myomectomy. Approximately 20% to 50% of women who are in their reproductive years are known to have fibroids.

What is the Need to Remove Fibroids?

If the fibroid is showing symptoms that are restricting your day-to-day activities, the following might be the reasons to have a myomectomy:

• You plan to give birth.
• Your doctor opines that uterine fibroids may be affecting your ability to conceive.
• Your goal is to preserve your uterus.

Causes of Fibroid Removal

Family history: 

• Fibroid can pass in the family especially from the mother or grandmother. The risk of having this condition from a mother is nearly 3 times higher than average.

Hormones: 

• The two hormones-estrogen and progesterone act as primary agents in the regeneration of the uterine lining. Also every menstrual cycle can lead to development of the fibroid.

Pregnant women: 

• These women are highly susceptible to fibroid as the women produce more estrogen during their pregnancies.
• Any additional matter which might change the body’s hormonal and chemical levels such as insulin can also be itself responsible for fibroid growth.

Symptoms of Fibroid Removal

Here are some symptoms that may occur in this problem:

• Lengthy or heavy periods.
• Loss of blood between periods.
• Abdominal discomfort and/or fullness.
• Pelvic pain.
• Lower back pain.
• Bladder issues, such as an urge for regular urination or trouble in emptying of bladder.
• Bowel issues, such as constipation or excessive efforts needed for bowel movements.

Women with fibroids can also experience:

• Infertility.
• Complications during pregnancy.
• Pain while performing sexual activity.

Risks of Acquiring Fibroids

Although the complications arising out of myomectomy are less still this procedure has certain issues such as:

Blood loss that is unreasonable: 

• Due to heavy bleeding in their periods women become anemic, have low blood levels. This can aggravate various problems.

Scar tissue: 

• Cut in the uterus to remove the fibroid can result in adhesion also known as Asherman’s syndrome.
• Active young healthy women in their reproductive ages are the ones most likely to be affected by fibroids.

Other risk factors may include:

• Family history of fibroids.
• Obesity
• A diet rich in red meat.
• High blood pressure

Black women are more susceptible to developing fibroid as compared to light-colored females. There is no clear explanation for this theory but it has been practically observed.

Diagnosis and Tests

Healthcare experts may recommend some tests. These are listed below:

Pelvic ultrasound or examination:

• Uterus that is enlarged or of irregular shape.
• Fibroids that are noticeable as lumps .

Hysteroscopy: 

• A special instrument (hysteroscope) is put into the vaginal opening to see the inside of the uterus.
• Ultrasound: This is the common test for the presence of uterine fibroid. Mainly two types are common:

1. Trans-abdominal ultrasound: A probe moved about the abdominal area.
2. Trans-vaginal ultrasound: A probe makes its way into the vagina

MRI scan: 

• If ultrasound results are of doubtful nature or there is any confusion on the fibroid size, location, or number.

Advantages of Fibroid Removal

In India, the famous phrase “Atithi Devo Bhava” in Hindi, which translates to “The guest is God,” aptly fits the concept of medical tourism. One notable patient-friendly substitute for this condition is interventional radiology (IR). With this, people can discover practical solutions that put their health first, keep fertility, and have the least possible negative influence on day-to-day living. Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE) is one of the main IR for removal of fibroids. Below are listed some advantages of this new procedure:

• Minimally invasive that requires only a small incision.
• It preserves the uterus.
• Made-to-order solutions.
• A decreased susceptibility to infection and consequences.
• Shorter healing time than standard operations

Procedure for Fibroid Removal Treatment

Here are the process of fibroid removal treatment:

Before the Procedure

• Smoking should be avoided before the surgery
• Blood thinners or aspirin to be avoided before the procedure.
• Eating and drinking to be curtailed or only on the advice of a doctor before the surgery.

During the Procedure

General anesthesia will make you fall asleep and relieve you of the painful sensation. It is recommended for:

• Laparoscopic myomectomy and
• Usually for abdominal myomectomy.

After the Procedure

On being discharged from the hospital, your doctor will suggest some painkillers and counsel you on your food intake and the activities to complete for a speedy recovery. Some spotting or staining in the vagina may be noticeable for some days or up to six weeks depending on the type of surgery.

The different available procedures are listed below:

Open Abdominal Myomectomy

•  A classic approach that requires a major abdominal cut.
• The uterus is reached to locate the fibroids, and these are removed while protecting the tissues that are in good health.
•  Incision is closed with sutures and the patient may need to stay in the hospital and recuperate for longer than with minimally invasive methods.

Laparoscopic Myomectomy

• Multiple tiny cuts are made in the abdomen.
• To view and remove the fibroids a laparoscope is used.
• Some advantages with this surgery include:

1. Less scarring
2. Shorter hospital stays
3. Speedier healing

Hysteroscopic Myomectomy

• The muscular tumor located within the uterine cavity is separated with a hysteroscope. 
• To do away with abdominal cuts, hysteroscopes are made to penetrate the vaginal opening and cervix. 
• This medical procedure is best for fibroids that are mostly located within the uterine cavity.