Uterine Fibroids Treatment Alternatives

There are a number of treatment options for uterine fibroids. In the past, the most common treatment was a hysterectomy. Today, there are more treatment options to choose from so that women with symptomatic fibroids have more treatment options and can choose a more suitable option. 

 When looking at the options available, there are a few factors to consider:

• Age
• General health
• Severity of the symptoms
• Obstetric history of the patient
• Location of fibroid(s) in the uterus

Procedure

What is it?

MR guided Focused Ultrasound Surgery

This is a non-invasive, outpatient procedure for treating uterine fibroids while keeping the uterus intact.
This procedure includes:

• No general anesthesia
• No cutting
• No hospital stay
• 1-3 days home recovery

Hysterectomy

Surgical removal of the uterus.

Due to its invasive nature, this procedure requires some time for recovery:

• Uses general anesthesia
• 1-2 days post-op in the hospital
• 4-6 weeks of recovery at home

No chance for pregnancy after this procedure.

Abdominal Myomectomy

Removal of one or more of the fibroids by an incision made in the abdomen to reach the uterus. The uterus remains intact.

Recovery is usually:

• Uses general anesthesia
• 2 nights in the hospital
• 4 weeks of home recovery

Laparoscopic Myomectomy

Removal of fibroids through by laparoscopy using 2-3 half-inch incisions. This procedure only works on small fibroids. Uterus remains intact. Recovery:

• Uses general anesthesia
• No hospital stay
• 1-2 weeks home recovery

Hysteroscopic Myomectomy

Removal of fibroids by inserting a hysteroscope through the vagina and the cervix into the uterus. Uterus remains intact. Recovery:

• Use of general anesthesia
• No hospital stay
• 1-3 days home recovery

Laparoscopic Assisted Vaginal Myomectomy (LAVM)

LAVM combines laparoscopic myomectomy with a vaginal incision for fibroid removal. Recovery:

• Uses general anesthesia
• Up to 48 hours hospital stay
• Up to 1 week home recovery

Laparoscopic Myomectomy with Mini-Laparotomy

Laparoscopic Myomectomy with Mini-Laparotomy allows for the removal of slightly larger fibroids than what the laparoscope alone can handle and generally includes a relatively small incision of 3 inches or less in the abdomen. Recovery:

• Uses general anesthesia
• Up to 48 hours hospital stay
• 1-2 weeks home recovery

Robot-Assisted Myomectomy or Robotic Myomectomy

A minimally invasive procedure that uses laparoscopic myomectomy through small: "keywhole" incisions and reduces patient's recovery time.

• Uses general anesthesia
• Up to 48 hours hospital stay
• 2-6 weeks home recovery

Laser Treatment for Uterine Fibroids

Combines MR imaging, or Laparoscopic myolisis with lasers to cut off blood supply to the fibroids.

• Uses general anesthesia
• No hospital stay
• Up to 1 week home recovery

This treatment may lead to skin burns

Uterine Artery Embolization

The uterine artery is injected with polyvinyl alcohol beads, with a catheter, which block the flow of blood to the fibroids and cause necrosis.

• No general anesthesia
• No hospital stay
• 1 -2 weeks home recovery

Alternative Treatments

Non-invasive treatment options for uterine fibroids such as hormone therapy, oral therapies, herbal treatments, homeopathic & holistic treatments

Watchful Waiting

No treatment. Monitoring for any progression of symptoms.