Fibroid Surgery Options in Houston
There are various options for fibroid removal. The least invasive is uterine fibroid embolization by an interventional radiologist. This involves using image-guided, minimally-invasive wires and catheters to cut off blood supply to the fibroid, causing them to shrink. Fibroid removal surgery is another option.
Ablation is another minimally-invasive procedure that uses heat to shrink fibroids. This usually reduces the volume of the fibroid by 40-50%. Myomectomy refers to the surgical removal of fibroids, which involves general anesthesia. There are two methods for myomectomy: open and laparoscopy. Both methods preserve the uterus. Open myomectomies involve an open incision. Recovery for open myomectomy often requires one to two nights in the hospital, and then about four to six weeks of recovery at home.
Laparoscopic myomectomy is another option; this involves several small incisions made in the abdomen, through which a thin camera and long instruments are placed. Recovery for this usually involves one night in the hospital and up to two weeks of recovery at home. Hysterectomy refers to the surgical removal of the uterus itself; this is an option for women who do not want to keep their uterus. There are different types of hysterectomies depending on which reproductive systems are removed. Similarly, there are different methods to complete a hysterectomy: laparoscopic, vaginal, and abdominal.
Is Surgery Necessary to Remove Uterine Fibroids?
Surgery is not necessary to remove uterine fibroids. Medical management may be a possibility, including painkillers or hormonal medication. Uterine artery embolization is also an option for treatment of uterine fibroids.
Non-Surgical Fibroid Removal Options in Houston
Uterine fibroid embolization is a non-surgical fibroid removal option that involves minimally-invasive, image guided methods. Using a small puncture in the blood vessel, the blood vessels supplying the uterus are accessed. Embolic agents (small particles) are placed in the blood vessels which cause them to slow flow to the uterus, causing fibroids to shrink.
There are advantages and disadvantages vs. surgical options.
Advantages:
- Benefits of treating fibroids, including decreased pain, bleeding, and infertility
Fewer risks of complications and less recovery time due to minimally-invasive nature of procedure - Precision of embolic particles being delivered
- No general anesthesia requirement and very minimal blood loss
- High success rate
- Compared with hysterectomy, no risk of premature menopause as ovaries are not involved
Disadvantages:
- May not get rid of fibroid completely
- Very low risk of non-target embolization
Let our Houston Fibroid Removal Experts Help You Understand Your Options
Uterine artery embolization preserves the uterus while maximizing your comfort and safety. Our Houston fibroid removal experts can help you decide which option is best for you. Call the leading vascular radiology clinic in Houston today!