Uterine fibroids are tumors formed from muscle and tissue within or on the uterine wall. These tumors are usually benign (non-cancerous) and are among the most common conditions in women. Symptoms of fibroids include pain and heavy or irregular vaginal bleeding. Many people may worry and wonder whether fibroid surgery requires uterus removal. So, is it possible to undergo fibroid surgery without removing the uterus?
Contents
Fibroid Surgery Without Uterus Removal Using Laparoscopy
Fibroid surgery does not always necessitate uterus removal. Several procedures can be performed to remove fibroids while preserving the uterus, one of which is laparoscopy.
Laparoscopic fibroid removal is known as laparoscopic myomectomy. This minimally invasive procedure is designed to remove uterine fibroids. During the procedure, the surgeon makes four small incisions in the patient’s abdomen and uses a laparoscope (a special instrument equipped with a camera and light) to perform the surgery through these incisions. The surgeon views the procedure through a video monitor.
Patients undergoing this procedure receive general anesthesia. Typically, hospitalization is not required, and the procedure is performed on an outpatient basis. The incisions range from 5-12 millimeters (0.5-1.2 centimeters) in size, and the surgery lasts about 3 to 4 hours. The recovery period generally takes 2-3 weeks.
Advantages of Laparoscopic Myomectomy
Laparoscopic myomectomy is the preferred procedure for women with symptomatic fibroids who wish to remove them without undergoing a hysterectomy (uterus removal). This procedure can even enhance fertility if the fibroids are obstructing pregnancy.
In addition to preserving fertility, laparoscopic myomectomy offers several benefits, including:
- Faster recovery time
- No hospitalization required (or only a short stay if necessary)
- More aesthetically pleasing scars
- Reduced scar tissue formation
- Comparable pregnancy rates
Furthermore, this technique can remove even large fibroids. Although the procedure takes longer in the operating room, it carries fewer risks compared to abdominal myomectomy. Additionally, there is less bleeding during surgery, reducing the likelihood of needing a blood transfusion. The procedure also causes less trauma to the abdominal wall, lowering the risk of adhesions (scar tissue formation). As a result, patients recover faster with minimal pain.
However, it is essential to note that laparoscopic myomectomy involves uterine incisions that weaken the myometrium. This weakening can increase the risk of uterine rupture during pregnancy and labor, making a Cesarean section necessary for future deliveries.
Laparoscopic myomectomy is an advanced laparoscopic procedure, and its success depends significantly on the surgeon’s experience and expertise.
When Can Laparoscopic Fibroid Surgery Be Performed?
Doctors generally consider laparoscopic fibroid removal when the largest fibroid in the uterus is less than 10 cm and the total number of fibroids is fewer than five.
However, in some cases, larger or more numerous fibroids can still be removed through this procedure, depending on the patient’s condition. If the estimated surgery duration is less than three hours, a laparoscopic approach is usually feasible. In some situations, the procedure may be conducted in 2-3 stages.
In certain cases, hormone injections or specific tablets may be prescribed to reduce the fibroid size, making the procedure easier to perform.
Expert Obstetricians & Gynecologists at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri
Do you have concerns about gynecological health or fibroids? Visit Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri to consult with our experienced and skilled obstetricians and gynecologists, including:
1. Dr. Kartika Hapsari, Sp.OG, Subsp.Onk, FNVOG
Dr. Kartika Hapsari is an obstetrician-gynecologist specializing in oncology at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri. She previously worked in South Africa during her subspecialty training, where she received a scholarship from the International Cancer Gynecology Society (ICGS).
2. Dr. Unedo Hence Markus Sihombing, Sp.OG, Subsp. Onk
Dr. Unedo Hence Markus Sihombing is an obstetrician-gynecologist specializing in oncology at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri. He completed both his subspecialty and doctoral programs at the University of Indonesia. He is an expert in managing various gynecological and obstetric conditions, particularly cancers affecting women’s reproductive organs.
If you have concerns about uterine fibroids or other women’s health issues, don’t worry! You can visit Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri and consult with our expert doctors.
Visit the Fertility Clinic at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri to consult with an obstetrician-gynecologist. Our clinic offers fertility testing for couples planning a pregnancy. You and your partner can participate in a 25-day pregnancy program designed by our experienced Fertility & Andrology Consultant.
Use our WhatsApp Chat, Book Appointment feature, or download the Care Dokter app from Google Play and App Store for easy visits, queue number tracking, and complete information.
