When Surgery is Necessary for Fibroids

While many women develop fibroids, not all require surgery to treat these noncancerous uterine growths. But if your uterine fibroids are causing significant disruption to your well-being, surgery may offer the best outcome possible. 

At Darin Swainston, MD, FACOG, our goal is to offer patients in Las Vegas, Nevada, the best tools and treatments available in women’s health today. Dr. Swainston provides exceptional treatment for diagnosing and treating uterine fibroids. 

Read on to learn what you need to know when surgery is necessary for fibroid treatment!

What are uterine fibroids? 

Uterine fibroids are noncancerous tumors that grow in your uterus and can range in size from very small to about the size of a grapefruit. These growths affect about 35 million American women. For approximately 7 million of these women, fibroids cause troublesome symptoms that necessitate medical care.

Symptoms of uterine fibroids include:

• Low back pain
• Heavy bleeding
• Pain during sex
• Bloating
• Frequent urination
• Complications with fertility, pregnancy, and labor

Fibroids are especially problematic for women over 35 and older and black women, who have a much greater likelihood of developing the growths. 

What surgeries are available for treating fibroids?

Depending on your symptoms and the risks your fibroids pose to your health and well-being, different treatments are available, ranging from minimally invasive procedures to invasive surgeries. These include: 

• Uterine artery embolization: This procedure cuts off blood supply to the fibroids, causing them to shrink. 
• Myolysis: A procedure to destroy fibroids using targeted energy.
• Myomectomy and hysteroscopic myomectomy: Surgical procedures to remove the fibroids.
• Endometrial ablation: A procedure to destroy the lining of the uterus and stop fibroid growth.
• Acessa: A laparoscopic procedure that uses radiofrequency ablation to destroy fibroid tissue.
• Hysterectomy: Surgery that removes the uterus completely.

Other treatment options may be available based on your unique needs and symptoms. Dr. Swainston discusses all treatment options with you and answers any questions you may have.

Which surgical option for fibroids is right for me?

Dr. Swainston works with you to determine which surgical option for uterine fibroids is best for your unique needs. After evaluating your symptoms, physical health, and fertility and medical history, Dr. Swainston recommends a treatment plan and surgical approach that will treat the root cause of your condition and get you back to living your life as quickly as possible. 

Why choose robotic-assisted surgery for fibroids? 

When you undergo traditional surgical methods for uterine fibroids, your surgeon must make large incisions. As such, these surgeries bring more risks and increase your recovery time. With robotic-assisted minimally invasive surgeries, Dr. Swainston is able to achieve highly-effective results with only minuscule, laparoscopic incisions, meaning lower risks and a faster recovery. 

Robotic-assisted surgery is more precise than traditional surgery, meaning Dr. Swainston is able to access places difficult to navigate during traditional surgery.

If you’re ready to learn more about your surgical options for uterine fibroids, contact our Las Vegas office to schedule a consultation today!