HYSTERECTOMY TREATMENT FOR UTERINE FIBROIDS

According to womenshealth.gov, around 20 percent to 80 percent of women will develop fibroids in their lifetime. However, not all women with fibroids experience symptoms. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services estimates 30 percent will have symptoms that require treatment. Those that do, are often told that a hysterectomy is the best procedure to alleviate symptoms. Here, we explore this thoroughly so women can be informed and make the best decision as it relates to their bodies.

 

What are fibroids?

Fibroids, also known as muscular tumors, grow along the uterine wall. Fibroids can present debilitating symptoms such as heavy bleeding, pain during intercourse, frequent urination, pain in the lower back, bloating, reproductive challenges, and complications during pregnancy and labor.

 

What is a hysterectomy?

Hysterectomy is one of the most common treatments for uterine fibroids. It consists of removing your uterus in part or whole. Here are the different types.

Abdominal Hysterectomy

A surgeon removes a woman’s uterus through the abdomen. The incision that is done, is similar to that of a cesarean section. As a result, this type of hysterectomy generally requires longer recovery time and hospital stay. It’s important to note that ovaries are not always required to be removed for the treatment of fibroids.

Vaginal Hysterectomy

Contrary to an abdominal hysterectomy, the surgeon removes the uterus through the vagina. This treatment is considered less invasive than others so the recovery time is generally shorter. In cases where there are larger uterine fibroids, this may not be an option.

Laparoscopic Hysterectomy

This is another minimally invasive approach to remove the uterus which consists of cutting a small incision in the belly button and inserting a tiny camera that allows the surgeon to perform the procedure. An additional two to three tiny incisions are made in the lower abdomen where specialized instruments are inserted for the uterus removal.

 

Looking to find an alternative to a hysterectomy for help with your uterine fibroids? Learn about our minimally invasive treatment serving Miami, Pompano, and South Florida. Broward County: (954) 884-8150 Dade County: ​​(305) 907-6191.

 

Pros and Cons of a Hysterectomy

For a long time, doctors viewed the uterus as expendable after a woman passes childbearing years. Hysterectomies have been performed to eliminate the risk of uterine cancer. However, many doctors today contend that the uterus plays a role in regulating hormones and should be a last resort. Critics believe that unnecessary hysterectomies are performed every year, and many of these cases were instances where patients were not aware of other options. The biggest pro of this treatment is that it has been proven to be highly effective for uterine fibroids. However, the con for the majority of women is losing the ability to have children.

 

Is a hysterectomy right for me?

If you have been diagnosed with cancer of the ovaries, uterus, or cervix, a hysterectomy can save your life. Oftentimes it includes removal of both ovaries (oophorectomy) to help prevent the spread of cancerous cells. However, as it regards to uterine fibroids, there are minimally invasive options that have been developed that should be carefully evaluated prior.

 

Looking to find an alternative to a hysterectomy for help with your uterine fibroids? Learn about our minimally invasive treatment serving Miami, Pompano, and South Florida. Broward County: (954) 884-8150 Dade County: ​​(305) 907-6191.

 

What is an effective alternative to a hysterectomy for uterine fibroids?

Perhaps one of the most effective treatments of uterine fibroids is a minimally invasive approach known as Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE). This is performed by a special doctor known as an Interventional Radiologist. Their specialty is performing non-surgical procedures using a catheter. The UFE procedure blocks blood flow to uterine fibroids thereby causing them to shrink. For women who plan to conceive in the future and/or are looking for a non-surgical solution, this is a preferred option.

Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) is performed by first placing a catheter (thin flexible tube) into a blood vessel in the femoral artery, found in the upper thigh. A substance known as contrast material is injected into the tube. Using real-time X-ray, the doctor is able to see the arteries and be guided to the arteries that supply the blood to the uterine fibroids. Multiple studies show at least 80% of women show significant improvement in uterine fibroid symptoms.

 

 

How do I prepare for a hysterectomy?

Usually, general anesthesia is performed for a hysterectomy. If so, only a light meal can be had the night before. If a local anesthetic is used, you can eat normally. This procedure can take a toll on a woman emotionally. It is recommended that women read up on resources and find a local or online support group to share their feelings.

 

What happens after a hysterectomy?

After the procedure, an IV will be hooked up along with a catheter to empty the bladder. A hospital stay for a few days may be required. It may also be necessary to rest at home for about a month after surgery. Abdominal hysterectomies may lead to additional hospital stay time.
For the weeks during recovery, women should avoid exercise and lifting heavy objects. It is also often recommended to not have sexual intercourse during this period.

 

What are the potential side effects of a hysterectomy?

After the surgery, some women may experience:

• Pain in the incision
• Swelling and redness in the incision area
• Buring and itching near the incision
• Numb feeling around the incision that may radiate down the leg the case of a total hysterectomy, women will immediately enter menopause so they can begin to also experience:
• Hot flashes
• Insomnia
• Dryness in the vagina

There are studies that show a decrease in sexual response and/or libido after a hysterectomy procedure. There are also studies that show the exact opposite, where women showed a better sex life, most likely due to the improvement in bleeding, bloating, and pain.
There are also studies that show an increased risk of damage to the bladder nerves that pass near the uterus. For these women, this may result in developing stress incontinence, where urine is released involuntarily during exercise, sneezing, coughing, even sexual intercourse.

 

What are some emotional side effects after a hysterectomy?

Many women have a hard time adjusting after a hysterectomy. They have lost the organ crucial for pregnancy and may experience a sense of loss. Some women feel that pregnancy and menstruation are integral aspects of femininity and losing this can be difficult. For this reason, there are multiple emotional support groups for women who have difficulties with coping after a hysterectomy.

 

Looking to find an alternative to a hysterectomy for help with your uterine fibroids? Learn about our minimally invasive treatment serving Miami, Pompano, and South Florida. Broward County: (954) 884-8150 Dade County:​​(305) 907-6191.

If you are in the Miami or South Florida area, feel free to request a consultation or even a virtual office visit so you can speak to one of our doctors from the comfort of your home.

For more information on Uterine Fibroid Embolization or to schedule an appointment call: (305) 907-6191