FIBROIDS
Myomas (fibroids) affect more than 50% of women at some stage of their lives. They may cause abnormal or heavy vaginal bleeding, pain, infertility or pressure symptoms. Treatment options range from simple symptom-based medical treatments, to the very latest surgical innovations and with technical expertise including laparoscopic (keyhole) and hysteroscopic (through the cervix) approaches, your Alana doctor can advise you of choices and create a plan for your care.
What is a fibroid?
A fibroid is a benign (non-cancerous) growth of muscle that is found in or around the uterus. It is made up of irregular sheets of smooth muscle (like the type that forms bowel and bladder, not like the muscles in your arms and legs that are under voluntary control) and may be any size and shape. Approximately 70% of women will be found to have a fibroid by the age of 50 of varying size, with approximately 50% of these being symptomatic. We do not know why women get fibroids, though it is likely that there is a combination of factors such as genetics, hormones such as oestrogen and progesterone, and the number of children that you have had. Some ethnic groups such as African women are more likely to get fibroids.
Symptoms of fibroids
Fibroids may be completely asymptomatic (i.e. cause no symptoms at all). If they do cause problems, then these can be one or more of the following:
Location of fibroids
Fibroids are usually described in one of four locations:
Large fibroids may occur in a number of these locations, that is start inside the uterine cavity and extend through the wall of the uterus and into the abdomen, therefore occupying a number of the above positions (this is called a compound fibroid).
The location of the fibroid may impact on the symptoms that you have. For example, a 1 cm fibroid that is inside the uterine cavity may present with heavy and sometimes painful periods. Removing it by hysteroscopic resection will likely improve this symptom. Compare this to a 1 cm fibroid within the wall of the uterus (intramural), which is unlikely to cause any symptoms. It is not recommended to remove this small intramural fibroid as they may be difficult to find and remove.
The position of a fibroid may also lead to varying symptoms.
A large fibroid (say 5 cm) that is present in the front of the uterus may press on the bladder and cause you to have the desire to go the toilet frequently and possibly have pain with intercourse when the uterus is moved, though the same size fibroid at the top of the uterus may not cause any symptoms at all, since there is more room for it to occupy and therefore not press on anything.
If the fibroid is asymptomatic, then no treatment needs to be undertaken, though you and your doctor may decide to monitor the fibroid with clinical examination and/or ultrasound to look for changes in size. If you are having one or more of the symptoms above then you may decide to have treatment. Treatment for fibroids will depend on the number, size and location of the fibroids. Treatment is divided into three groups:
Medical treatments:
Such treatments will usually be to treat the symptoms of fibroids such as heavy bleeding or pain. Treatments may include the oral contraceptive pill (the pill), other hormonal treatments, or a medication called Cyklokapron, which is designed to reduce the heaviness of your periods. Such treatments do not treat the fibroids themselves, only the symptoms. These treatments will usually not change the size of the fibroids. You should not use hormonal treatments if you are trying to become pregnant as these may prevent or interfere with pregnancy.
There are other stronger medications that can be prescribed (a group of drugs called the GnRH agonists such as Zoladex).
These medications may reduce the size of the fibroids whilst you are taking the medication, but the fibroid will usually return to the same size that it was before you started the medication. These medications are used to temporarily reduce the size of fibroids and may allow for a different approach to surgery for treatment (e.g. they may allow a vaginal or laparoscopic procedure when an abdominal procedure was previously planned). You cannot continue on these medications for a prolonged time, since they may have serious side effects. These drugs are not recommended, since they may only be used for short periods, have significant side effects, and do not get rid of the fibroids themselves. There are no known drugs that will cause fibroids to regress completely, and there are no drugs that will prevent new fibroids from developing even if some have been removed.
Radiological treatments:
Uterine Artery Embolisation (UAE) is a process whereby a thin tube is passed into the main artery in the leg at the groin and fed up to the large artery of the pelvis. It then is directed into the artery that supplies the uterus and also the fibroids. Small pieces of foam, or microcoils, are then injected into the artery to block the blood supply to the fibroid. This will reduce the size of the fibroid by between 40% and 60%. The fibroid is not completely removed by this treatment, although the symptoms such as heavy bleeding or pressure effects may be improved.
Not all fibroids are suitable to this type of treatment, and for women with submucous fibroids (within the cavity) this procedure should not be performed, since there is a significant risk of infection. This procedure is not recommended for women who want to have further children.
Surgery for fibroids:
Surgery is the only way to completely remove fibroids, but this also involves an invasive procedure. It does not prevent recurrence of fibroids. There are three different modes of surgical treatment for fibroids:
The best surgery for your fibroids will depend on their size, number and location.
Hysteroscopic surgery for fibroids:
Generally, fibroids located inside the uterus (see location of fibroids above) are best treated by hysteroscopy. There are two different methods to remove fibroids hysteroscopically, one uses a special device that continuously and progressively cuts the abnormal tissue and sucks it out of the cavity and the second approach uses a manual method to cut and remove the tissue.
The first approach is with a mechanical morcellator that is introduced into the uterus through the cervix and requires the cervix to be open about 0.8cm. The device then uses a mechanical cutting blade with suction attached to continuously cut and suck the tissue into the device and removes it from the uterine cavity. This approach is fast, has potentially less risk due to using a fluid with less risk of salt imbalance and requires less dilation (opening) of the cervix.
In the second method and under a general anaesthetic, the cervix is gently and progressively opened to about 1 cm using dilators. A special telescope called an operating hysteroscope is then introduced into the cavity of the uterus. Fluid is used to open the cavity space so that all the walls and the uterine lining (the endometrium) can be seen. The operating hysteroscope has connections so that fluid can flow into and out of the uterus and maintain clear vision for the surgeon.
At the end of the operating hysteroscope is a wire loop that can be connected to an electrical current used to cut through the fibroid. This loop is about 4 mm across and is used to cut strips from the fibroid until it has all been removed. Fibroids of up to 3 cm can usually be removed at one surgery. Large fibroids of 3-5 cm may require two or more procedures. Fibroids larger than this may require one of the other methods for removal. If you have a large fibroid, you should discuss treatment options with your doctor.
Fibroids within the uterus (submucous fibroids) are further described by the amount of the fibroid that is within the wall of the uterus. A type 0 fibroid is wholly within the uterine cavity, a type 1 fibroid is mostly within the cavity, and a type 2 fibroid is mostly in the wall of the uterus, with a percentage (usually <40%) inside the uterine cavity. The type 2 fibroid is the most difficult to treat, since more is inside the wall of the uterus than in the cavity, and two procedures, or another surgical approach may be required. (see diagram above for location of submucous fibroids).
Submucous fibroids are the ones most associated with heavy bleeding because:
Fibroids themselves do not bleed, but their presence may contribute to heavy menstrual bleeding. Removing the fibroids may reduce the bleeding by alleviating one or more of the above causes. It is also possible to alleviate the problem of heavy bleeding from fibroids by performing an endometrial ablation (see information download on endometrial ablation) and leaving the fibroids in the uterus. This is safe, since fibroids are not pre-cancerous. Your doctor may recommend this, particularly if bleeding is the main symptom and you do not wish to have a hysterectomy.
Submucous fibroids are best treated by surgery, usually hysteroscopic. If you have fertility problems and a submucous fibroid (see fibroids and infertility), then hysteroscopic surgery is the best option to improve fertility.
Laparoscopic surgery for fibroids: (Laparoscopic Myomectomy)
If you are found to have subserosal, intramural or pedunculated fibroids, then your doctor may recommend that they are removed laparoscopically. There will be four incisions made in your abdomen, with a 1 cm incision in the umbilicus (belly button) and above the pubic bone. There will be two other incisions made above the hip bones, these are about 0.5 cm each. With a camera through the umbilicus, the fibroid is located on the uterus and a cut is made over the top of the fibroid and it is shelled out, a bit like peeling an orange. After the fibroid has been removed, it leaves a hole in the wall of the uterus and has to be stitched closed. This is done through the keyholes and usually requires a number of layers to close the hole left by the fibroid. You are likely to have discomfort following this type of surgery that requires 1-2 nights in hospital for pain relief. Following your surgery, you will wake up with a drip in your arm, a catheter (tube) in your bladder to keep it empty and will be given pain medication regularly and as needed. All these tubes are likely to be removed the morning following your surgery, although your doctor will discuss the removal of these with you when you are reviewed.
Laparotomy and myomectomy:
A laparotomy is a large cut that is made in the abdomen to perform surgery. This method for removing fibroids may be recommended if you have very large fibroids (more than 7 cm) or there are multiple fibroids. There are some exceptions to these size regulations, and your doctor will discuss the pros and cons of this type of surgery with you. Pedunculated fibroids (fibroids on a stalk) may usually be removed by keyhole surgery even when larger than 7 cm, and your doctor will discuss this with you if this is the case.
A laparotomy incision means that there is good access to the uterus, though it causes more pain, a longer stay in hospital and is associated with a higher chance of adhesion formation (scar tissue forming). For very large fibroids however, this is often the safest and most efficient method for removing the fibroids. The incision is usually made over the bikini line in a horizontal manner, this will heal faster and be more cosmetically appealing, although for fibroids of 20 cm or greater this incision may not be adequate and a vertical incision from the umbilicus (belly button) to the pubic bone may be required. Whilst it is recognized that a large abdominal incision is not preferable, it is important to perform the appropriate incision for the size of the fibroid(s) as this will reduce the risk of complications and maximize your safety.
Recovery following a laparotomy for fibroids will take longer. You will be in hospital on average 5 nights and will require 4-6 weeks off work. It will take a longer time to recuperate, though the features previously noted for recovery hold true for this method of myomectomy.
Removing the entire uterus (hysterectomy) is the only way to guarantee that fibroids will not recur, though there are many other factors to consider.
What are the risks of surgery to remove fibroids?
Complications may include wound infections, bladder infections, minor injuries to muscles or nerves from being positioned on the operating table, and a prolonged time for bladder function to return following removal of the catheter. These complications will usually be identified and treated and often will not require you to stay in hospital. The exception to this is if your bladder does not work as it should. The main reason for the bladder not working after a laparoscopic myomectomy is that the nerves to the bladder may be bruised or injured during the procedure. It may take a period of time for these nerves to recover their normal function. For this reason, a specific post-operative protocol is in place to scan the bladder by ultrasound to ensure that it has normal function. This will help to prevent short-term problems such as urinary tract infections and may prevent long-term bladder problems.
The main risks from removing fibroids by any route is bleeding, since the fibroid has a blood supply to it from the uterus and when it is removed, the hole that is left behind will bleed. Following repair of the defects in the uterus where the fibroids were, there may be bruising of the uterus. Whilst the blood remains in your body, it is not in the areas that it should be and with very large fibroids, you may require a blood transfusion. Generally, the larger the fibroids the more chance there is for bleeding, since a larger ‘gap’ will be left that requires stitching closed and this will bruise to a greater extent. In the case of very heavy bleeding that could not be controlled, hysterectomy is a possible outcome though it is very rare indeed. This would only be performed in an emergency as a life saving procedure.
Other serious but rare complications following surgery to remove fibroids include injuries to the bladder (the organ that holds urine), the ureter (the tube that leads from the kidney to the bladder), the bowel and the major blood vessels. In addition, medical complications such as clots that develop in the legs or lungs, or excessive stress that is placed on the heart and lungs from the surgery can occur resulting in heart attack or stroke. The likelihood of these complications occurring will depend on the size and location of your fibroids, your past surgical and medical history and your age.
Other Post-Operative Complications
Medical complications such as clots developing in the legs or lungs or ongoing bleeding from blood vessels cut during the surgery may also cause complications post-operatively. Whilst in hospital your observations will be taken and signs of temperature, increasing pain or problems with your urine will be monitored. You may require more tests and treatments if one of these complications occurs.
After you have gone home, if you have an increasing amount of pain, increasing vaginal bleeding, high fevers or sweats or vaginal discharge that is offensive then you should contact Healthcare and ask for further advice.
Recovery following surgery for fibroids
Fibroids and infertility
Fibroids may contribute to infertility in a number of different ways:
1. Acting like an intra-uterine device IUD
2. Changing the blood flow pattern in the uterine cavity
3. Taking space within the uterine cavity
4. Altering the endometrium (lining of the uterus), making it harder for an embryo to implant
5. Other as yet unrecognised factors
Submucous fibroids are the most likely to be associated with fertility problems. It is recommended to remove them before trying to become pregnant. For intramural and subserous fibroids routine removal is not recommended. If there has been a difficulty with a pregnancy, such as premature labour or growth restriction of the baby, then your doctor may discuss with you removing the fibroid before trying for another pregnancy. If you have a pedunculated fibroid (one on a stalk), then removing it may prevent complications of pregnancy such as the fibroid twisting (called torsion) or outgrowing its blood supply and causing pain or possibly premature labour. If you have a pedunculated fibroid you should discuss with your doctor if you are planning a pregnancy.
What is a fibroid?
A fibroid is a benign (non-cancerous) growth of muscle that is found in or around the uterus. It is made up of irregular sheets of smooth muscle (like the type that forms bowel and bladder, not like the muscles in your arms and legs that are under voluntary control) and may be any size and shape. Approximately 70% of women will be found to have a fibroid by the age of 50 of varying size, with approximately 50% of these being symptomatic. We do not know why women get fibroids, though it is likely that there is a combination of factors such as genetics, hormones such as oestrogen and progesterone, and the number of children that you have had. Some ethnic groups such as African women are more likely to get fibroids.
Symptoms of fibroids
Fibroids may be completely asymptomatic (i.e. cause no symptoms at all). If they do cause problems, then these can be one or more of the following:
- Heavy menstrual bleeding (heavy periods) or irregular vaginal bleeding
- Pelvic pain at the time of periods, or between periods
- Problems with fertility (see sections on fertility and location)
- Pressure effects (from pushing on the bladder, the bowel or other internal organs)
Location of fibroids
Fibroids are usually described in one of four locations:
- Submucous fibroids (partly or wholly within the uterus)
- Intramural fibroids (within the wall of the uterus)
- Subserous fibroids (on the outside of the uterine wall)
- Pedunculated fibroids (fibroids on a stalk)
Large fibroids may occur in a number of these locations, that is start inside the uterine cavity and extend through the wall of the uterus and into the abdomen, therefore occupying a number of the above positions (this is called a compound fibroid).
The location of the fibroid may impact on the symptoms that you have. For example, a 1 cm fibroid that is inside the uterine cavity may present with heavy and sometimes painful periods. Removing it by hysteroscopic resection will likely improve this symptom. Compare this to a 1 cm fibroid within the wall of the uterus (intramural), which is unlikely to cause any symptoms. It is not recommended to remove this small intramural fibroid as they may be difficult to find and remove.
The position of a fibroid may also lead to varying symptoms.
A large fibroid (say 5 cm) that is present in the front of the uterus may press on the bladder and cause you to have the desire to go the toilet frequently and possibly have pain with intercourse when the uterus is moved, though the same size fibroid at the top of the uterus may not cause any symptoms at all, since there is more room for it to occupy and therefore not press on anything.
If the fibroid is asymptomatic, then no treatment needs to be undertaken, though you and your doctor may decide to monitor the fibroid with clinical examination and/or ultrasound to look for changes in size. If you are having one or more of the symptoms above then you may decide to have treatment. Treatment for fibroids will depend on the number, size and location of the fibroids. Treatment is divided into three groups:
- Medical (using medications)
- Radiological (uterine artery embolisation)
- Surgical (surgical removal of fibroids or the uterus
Medical treatments:
Such treatments will usually be to treat the symptoms of fibroids such as heavy bleeding or pain. Treatments may include the oral contraceptive pill (the pill), other hormonal treatments, or a medication called Cyklokapron, which is designed to reduce the heaviness of your periods. Such treatments do not treat the fibroids themselves, only the symptoms. These treatments will usually not change the size of the fibroids. You should not use hormonal treatments if you are trying to become pregnant as these may prevent or interfere with pregnancy.
There are other stronger medications that can be prescribed (a group of drugs called the GnRH agonists such as Zoladex).
These medications may reduce the size of the fibroids whilst you are taking the medication, but the fibroid will usually return to the same size that it was before you started the medication. These medications are used to temporarily reduce the size of fibroids and may allow for a different approach to surgery for treatment (e.g. they may allow a vaginal or laparoscopic procedure when an abdominal procedure was previously planned). You cannot continue on these medications for a prolonged time, since they may have serious side effects. These drugs are not recommended, since they may only be used for short periods, have significant side effects, and do not get rid of the fibroids themselves. There are no known drugs that will cause fibroids to regress completely, and there are no drugs that will prevent new fibroids from developing even if some have been removed.
Radiological treatments:
Uterine Artery Embolisation (UAE) is a process whereby a thin tube is passed into the main artery in the leg at the groin and fed up to the large artery of the pelvis. It then is directed into the artery that supplies the uterus and also the fibroids. Small pieces of foam, or microcoils, are then injected into the artery to block the blood supply to the fibroid. This will reduce the size of the fibroid by between 40% and 60%. The fibroid is not completely removed by this treatment, although the symptoms such as heavy bleeding or pressure effects may be improved.
Not all fibroids are suitable to this type of treatment, and for women with submucous fibroids (within the cavity) this procedure should not be performed, since there is a significant risk of infection. This procedure is not recommended for women who want to have further children.
Surgery for fibroids:
Surgery is the only way to completely remove fibroids, but this also involves an invasive procedure. It does not prevent recurrence of fibroids. There are three different modes of surgical treatment for fibroids:
- Hysteroscopic removal (surgery performed through the cervix)
- Laparoscopic removal (keyhole surgery through the abdomen)
- Removal by laparotomy (large incision in the abdomen)
The best surgery for your fibroids will depend on their size, number and location.
Hysteroscopic surgery for fibroids:
Generally, fibroids located inside the uterus (see location of fibroids above) are best treated by hysteroscopy. There are two different methods to remove fibroids hysteroscopically, one uses a special device that continuously and progressively cuts the abnormal tissue and sucks it out of the cavity and the second approach uses a manual method to cut and remove the tissue.
The first approach is with a mechanical morcellator that is introduced into the uterus through the cervix and requires the cervix to be open about 0.8cm. The device then uses a mechanical cutting blade with suction attached to continuously cut and suck the tissue into the device and removes it from the uterine cavity. This approach is fast, has potentially less risk due to using a fluid with less risk of salt imbalance and requires less dilation (opening) of the cervix.
In the second method and under a general anaesthetic, the cervix is gently and progressively opened to about 1 cm using dilators. A special telescope called an operating hysteroscope is then introduced into the cavity of the uterus. Fluid is used to open the cavity space so that all the walls and the uterine lining (the endometrium) can be seen. The operating hysteroscope has connections so that fluid can flow into and out of the uterus and maintain clear vision for the surgeon.
At the end of the operating hysteroscope is a wire loop that can be connected to an electrical current used to cut through the fibroid. This loop is about 4 mm across and is used to cut strips from the fibroid until it has all been removed. Fibroids of up to 3 cm can usually be removed at one surgery. Large fibroids of 3-5 cm may require two or more procedures. Fibroids larger than this may require one of the other methods for removal. If you have a large fibroid, you should discuss treatment options with your doctor.
Fibroids within the uterus (submucous fibroids) are further described by the amount of the fibroid that is within the wall of the uterus. A type 0 fibroid is wholly within the uterine cavity, a type 1 fibroid is mostly within the cavity, and a type 2 fibroid is mostly in the wall of the uterus, with a percentage (usually <40%) inside the uterine cavity. The type 2 fibroid is the most difficult to treat, since more is inside the wall of the uterus than in the cavity, and two procedures, or another surgical approach may be required. (see diagram above for location of submucous fibroids).
Submucous fibroids are the ones most associated with heavy bleeding because:
- They may prevent the uterus from contracting during menstruation
- They may increase the surface area of the lining of the uterus (the endometrium)
- They may have an affect on blood vessels that cause them to be open for longer
Fibroids themselves do not bleed, but their presence may contribute to heavy menstrual bleeding. Removing the fibroids may reduce the bleeding by alleviating one or more of the above causes. It is also possible to alleviate the problem of heavy bleeding from fibroids by performing an endometrial ablation (see information download on endometrial ablation) and leaving the fibroids in the uterus. This is safe, since fibroids are not pre-cancerous. Your doctor may recommend this, particularly if bleeding is the main symptom and you do not wish to have a hysterectomy.
Submucous fibroids are best treated by surgery, usually hysteroscopic. If you have fertility problems and a submucous fibroid (see fibroids and infertility), then hysteroscopic surgery is the best option to improve fertility.
Laparoscopic surgery for fibroids: (Laparoscopic Myomectomy)
If you are found to have subserosal, intramural or pedunculated fibroids, then your doctor may recommend that they are removed laparoscopically. There will be four incisions made in your abdomen, with a 1 cm incision in the umbilicus (belly button) and above the pubic bone. There will be two other incisions made above the hip bones, these are about 0.5 cm each. With a camera through the umbilicus, the fibroid is located on the uterus and a cut is made over the top of the fibroid and it is shelled out, a bit like peeling an orange. After the fibroid has been removed, it leaves a hole in the wall of the uterus and has to be stitched closed. This is done through the keyholes and usually requires a number of layers to close the hole left by the fibroid. You are likely to have discomfort following this type of surgery that requires 1-2 nights in hospital for pain relief. Following your surgery, you will wake up with a drip in your arm, a catheter (tube) in your bladder to keep it empty and will be given pain medication regularly and as needed. All these tubes are likely to be removed the morning following your surgery, although your doctor will discuss the removal of these with you when you are reviewed.
Laparotomy and myomectomy:
A laparotomy is a large cut that is made in the abdomen to perform surgery. This method for removing fibroids may be recommended if you have very large fibroids (more than 7 cm) or there are multiple fibroids. There are some exceptions to these size regulations, and your doctor will discuss the pros and cons of this type of surgery with you. Pedunculated fibroids (fibroids on a stalk) may usually be removed by keyhole surgery even when larger than 7 cm, and your doctor will discuss this with you if this is the case.
A laparotomy incision means that there is good access to the uterus, though it causes more pain, a longer stay in hospital and is associated with a higher chance of adhesion formation (scar tissue forming). For very large fibroids however, this is often the safest and most efficient method for removing the fibroids. The incision is usually made over the bikini line in a horizontal manner, this will heal faster and be more cosmetically appealing, although for fibroids of 20 cm or greater this incision may not be adequate and a vertical incision from the umbilicus (belly button) to the pubic bone may be required. Whilst it is recognized that a large abdominal incision is not preferable, it is important to perform the appropriate incision for the size of the fibroid(s) as this will reduce the risk of complications and maximize your safety.
Recovery following a laparotomy for fibroids will take longer. You will be in hospital on average 5 nights and will require 4-6 weeks off work. It will take a longer time to recuperate, though the features previously noted for recovery hold true for this method of myomectomy.
Removing the entire uterus (hysterectomy) is the only way to guarantee that fibroids will not recur, though there are many other factors to consider.
What are the risks of surgery to remove fibroids?
Complications may include wound infections, bladder infections, minor injuries to muscles or nerves from being positioned on the operating table, and a prolonged time for bladder function to return following removal of the catheter. These complications will usually be identified and treated and often will not require you to stay in hospital. The exception to this is if your bladder does not work as it should. The main reason for the bladder not working after a laparoscopic myomectomy is that the nerves to the bladder may be bruised or injured during the procedure. It may take a period of time for these nerves to recover their normal function. For this reason, a specific post-operative protocol is in place to scan the bladder by ultrasound to ensure that it has normal function. This will help to prevent short-term problems such as urinary tract infections and may prevent long-term bladder problems.
The main risks from removing fibroids by any route is bleeding, since the fibroid has a blood supply to it from the uterus and when it is removed, the hole that is left behind will bleed. Following repair of the defects in the uterus where the fibroids were, there may be bruising of the uterus. Whilst the blood remains in your body, it is not in the areas that it should be and with very large fibroids, you may require a blood transfusion. Generally, the larger the fibroids the more chance there is for bleeding, since a larger ‘gap’ will be left that requires stitching closed and this will bruise to a greater extent. In the case of very heavy bleeding that could not be controlled, hysterectomy is a possible outcome though it is very rare indeed. This would only be performed in an emergency as a life saving procedure.
Other serious but rare complications following surgery to remove fibroids include injuries to the bladder (the organ that holds urine), the ureter (the tube that leads from the kidney to the bladder), the bowel and the major blood vessels. In addition, medical complications such as clots that develop in the legs or lungs, or excessive stress that is placed on the heart and lungs from the surgery can occur resulting in heart attack or stroke. The likelihood of these complications occurring will depend on the size and location of your fibroids, your past surgical and medical history and your age.
Other Post-Operative Complications
Medical complications such as clots developing in the legs or lungs or ongoing bleeding from blood vessels cut during the surgery may also cause complications post-operatively. Whilst in hospital your observations will be taken and signs of temperature, increasing pain or problems with your urine will be monitored. You may require more tests and treatments if one of these complications occurs.
After you have gone home, if you have an increasing amount of pain, increasing vaginal bleeding, high fevers or sweats or vaginal discharge that is offensive then you should contact Healthcare and ask for further advice.
Recovery following surgery for fibroids
Fibroids and infertility
Fibroids may contribute to infertility in a number of different ways:
1. Acting like an intra-uterine device IUD
2. Changing the blood flow pattern in the uterine cavity
3. Taking space within the uterine cavity
4. Altering the endometrium (lining of the uterus), making it harder for an embryo to implant
5. Other as yet unrecognised factors
Submucous fibroids are the most likely to be associated with fertility problems. It is recommended to remove them before trying to become pregnant. For intramural and subserous fibroids routine removal is not recommended. If there has been a difficulty with a pregnancy, such as premature labour or growth restriction of the baby, then your doctor may discuss with you removing the fibroid before trying for another pregnancy. If you have a pedunculated fibroid (one on a stalk), then removing it may prevent complications of pregnancy such as the fibroid twisting (called torsion) or outgrowing its blood supply and causing pain or possibly premature labour. If you have a pedunculated fibroid you should discuss with your doctor if you are planning a pregnancy.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is a fibroid pre-cancerous?
No. Fibroids are benign growths of the muscle of the uterine wall that occur in more than 50% of women before the age of 50. They do not become a cancerous lesion and do not need to be removed for this reason. Cancer of the uterine muscle (called a leiomyosarcoma) is a very rare condition and is thought to occur by a separate pathway. That is it starts as a cancer, and does not become a cancer from a fibroid.
Do I need to have my fibroids removed if they are found?
If you have no symptoms, there is no reason to remove fibroids.
The four most common symptoms of fibroids being present are:
Can I take medicines to shrink the fibroids?
There are no known medicines that will remove fibroids. Some medications can temporarily reduce their size, however these medications are powerful and may have side effects. Most are not registered to treat fibroids in Australia. Some medications may help with the symptoms associated with fibroids such as pain or bleeding and may be used in the long term.
If I want to have my fibroids removed, which is the best type of surgery?
This is very dependent on the location of the fibroids, since different locations and sizes require a different approach.
At WA Gynae Surgery, we provide every different approach for fibroid removal surgically and have developed specialised skills in many of these techniques to ensure you have the most safe and appropriate surgical treatment if needed.
If I have fibroids removed, will they come back?
Because fibroids are likely due to a combination of factors, including genetics, there is always the possibility of recurrence. However, studies have shown that whilst fibroids do recur, they only cause symptoms that need more treatment in about 5% of cases. Some women may be more prone to fibroid recurrence due to genetics or other specific factors and the initial number of fibroids, their size and rate of growth and the age at which they first become problematic should all be considered.
What happens to my fibroids after menopause?
Studies show that fibroids do not shrink away completely after menopause.
They do decrease in size by 30-50% and their symptoms will depend on what they were causing before menopause. For example, if bleeding was the only issue, then this should not be a problem after menopause. If there are symptoms of pressure on the bowel or bladder, then this may continue to be an issue in the post-menopausal time
Do I need to have regular scans for my fibroids?
There is no need to have regular scans for fibroids, since once diagnosed, symptoms are the main driver for interventions or treatments. There are some situations that may require scanning and you should talk to your doctor about whether this is required for you.
No. Fibroids are benign growths of the muscle of the uterine wall that occur in more than 50% of women before the age of 50. They do not become a cancerous lesion and do not need to be removed for this reason. Cancer of the uterine muscle (called a leiomyosarcoma) is a very rare condition and is thought to occur by a separate pathway. That is it starts as a cancer, and does not become a cancer from a fibroid.
Do I need to have my fibroids removed if they are found?
If you have no symptoms, there is no reason to remove fibroids.
The four most common symptoms of fibroids being present are:
- Abnormal bleeding
- Pelvic pain
- Pressing on the bladder, bowel or causing a lump that you can feel
- Difficulty in becoming pregnant
Can I take medicines to shrink the fibroids?
There are no known medicines that will remove fibroids. Some medications can temporarily reduce their size, however these medications are powerful and may have side effects. Most are not registered to treat fibroids in Australia. Some medications may help with the symptoms associated with fibroids such as pain or bleeding and may be used in the long term.
If I want to have my fibroids removed, which is the best type of surgery?
This is very dependent on the location of the fibroids, since different locations and sizes require a different approach.
At WA Gynae Surgery, we provide every different approach for fibroid removal surgically and have developed specialised skills in many of these techniques to ensure you have the most safe and appropriate surgical treatment if needed.
If I have fibroids removed, will they come back?
Because fibroids are likely due to a combination of factors, including genetics, there is always the possibility of recurrence. However, studies have shown that whilst fibroids do recur, they only cause symptoms that need more treatment in about 5% of cases. Some women may be more prone to fibroid recurrence due to genetics or other specific factors and the initial number of fibroids, their size and rate of growth and the age at which they first become problematic should all be considered.
What happens to my fibroids after menopause?
Studies show that fibroids do not shrink away completely after menopause.
They do decrease in size by 30-50% and their symptoms will depend on what they were causing before menopause. For example, if bleeding was the only issue, then this should not be a problem after menopause. If there are symptoms of pressure on the bowel or bladder, then this may continue to be an issue in the post-menopausal time
Do I need to have regular scans for my fibroids?
There is no need to have regular scans for fibroids, since once diagnosed, symptoms are the main driver for interventions or treatments. There are some situations that may require scanning and you should talk to your doctor about whether this is required for you.