Minimally invasive uterine fibroid removal

Modern treatment of uterine fibroids

Uterine fibroids are benign lesions developing from the muscular tissue of the uterus. Although they do not always cause symptoms, in many women they can lead to heavy menstruation, lower abdominal pain, a feeling of pressure, fertility problems, or reduced quality of life.

Contemporary gynecology offers modern, minimally invasive methods for treating uterine fibroids that allow effective removal of lesions while limiting surgical trauma and shortening recovery time. The choice of treatment method depends primarily on the size, number, and location of fibroids, as well as the patient’s age, symptoms, and plans regarding motherhood.

What are uterine fibroids?

Uterine fibroids are among the most common benign tumors in women of reproductive age. They can vary in size and location – occurring in the uterine wall, on its surface, or inside the uterine cavity.

Not all fibroids require surgical treatment, but the procedure should be considered when the following occur:

• heavy or prolonged menstruation,
• chronic lower abdominal pain,
• a feeling of pressure in the pelvis,
• frequent urination,
• fertility problems,
• recurrent miscarriages,
• rapid growth of fibroids.

Individual selection of treatment method

Each case of uterine fibroids requires an individual assessment. During the consultation, the specialist analyzes the location of the changes and their impact on the body’s functioning and selects the most appropriate surgical method.

Modern minimally invasive treatment may include:

• laparoscopic fibroid removal,
• resectoscopic fibroid removal,
• combined treatment in selected cases.

The goal of therapy is effective removal of changes while maintaining the highest possible patient comfort and – if possible – preserving the uterus and fertility.

What does laparoscopic fibroid removal involve?

Laparoscopy is a method primarily used for fibroids located in the uterine wall or on its external surface.

Laparoscopic removal of uterine fibroids involves enucleation of the lesions while preserving healthy uterine tissue. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia.

During the surgery, the surgeon makes several small incisions in the abdominal area through which a laparoscopic camera and thin surgical instruments are introduced. Thanks to the highly magnified image, it is possible to very precisely remove fibroids and carefully repair the uterine wall.

Compared to traditional open surgery, laparoscopy is associated with less postoperative pain, shorter hospital stay, and faster return to daily activities.

When can a laparoscopic procedure be performed?

The possibility of performing laparoscopic removal of fibroids depends, among other things, on:

• the number of fibroids,
• their size,
• the location of the lesions,
• the patient’s reproductive plans,
• overall health condition.

The final qualification for the procedure takes place during a gynecological consultation and after performing imaging tests such as ultrasound. During the consultation, the specialist assesses the type and size of the fibroids, analyzes symptoms, and selects the optimal treatment method. The visit also includes a discussion of the course of the operation, recovery, and possible treatment outcomes.

Laparoscopic fibroid removal and pregnancy

For many women, an important advantage of laparoscopic myomectomy is the possibility of preserving the uterus and planning pregnancy in the future. Removal of fibroids may improve the conditions for conception and reduce the risk of obstetric complications associated with the presence of large lesions.

The decision regarding pregnancy planning after surgery should always be made individually with the doctor.

Resectoscopic removal of uterine fibroids

Resectoscopic removal of uterine fibroids is a modern, minimally invasive method for treating submucosal fibroids, i.e., lesions developing inside the uterine cavity. The procedure is performed using a hysteroscopic technique – without incisions on the abdomen and without opening the abdominal cavity.

The procedure effectively removes fibroids responsible, among other things, for heavy menstrual bleeding, intermenstrual bleeding, lower abdominal pain, or difficulties conceiving.

The procedure is performed using a resectoscope – a specialized optical instrument equipped with a camera and a thin surgical loop that allows precise removal of lesions from inside the uterus.

The resectoscope is inserted through the vagina and cervix, so the procedure does not require any skin incisions. The surgeon observes the inside of the uterus at high magnification and gradually removes the fibroid layer by layer, maintaining maximum precision.

When is an individual approach necessary?

In some cases, fibroids may be numerous, large, or located in different parts of the uterus. In such cases, the treatment plan is determined individually and may include a combination of different surgical techniques or staged procedural treatment.

The choice of the appropriate method depends, among other things, on:

• the size of the fibroids,
• their number,
• the location of the lesions,
• severity of symptoms,
• the patient’s age,
• plans regarding pregnancy,
• previous gynecological surgeries.