Uterine fibroids are tumors on the wall of the uterus. They can cause pain, bloating, frequent urination, painful sex, and heavy menstrual bleeding. Fibroids are almost always non-cancerous.
Dignity Health - St. Rose Dominican hospitals doctors perform surgical and minimally invasive procedures for fibroid removal in Las Vegas and Henderson, NV. For expert care, Find a Doctor online or call (702) 616-4900.
When Should Fibroid Removal be Considered?
Uterine fibroids can be bothersome and make you uncomfortable. If they are impacting your quality of life, your doctor may recommend removal to relieve symptoms.
Common reasons for fibroid removal include:
- Heavy menstrual bleeding that interferes with activity
- Significant pain
- Rapid growth of the fibroid
- Bleeding between periods
- Infertility
- Worsening symptoms
What to Expect During Myomectomy & Other Uterine Fibroid Removal Procedures
The most common methods of fibroid removal include:
- MRI-guided ultrasound surgery uses ultrasound waves to destroy fibroids.
- Endometrial ablation. Destruction of the lining of the uterus. It may be performed in your doctor’s exam room. Your doctor uses lasers, extreme cold, microwave energy, or electricity to destroy the fibroids.
- Uterine fibroid embolization blocks blood flow to the fibroids, causing them to shrink. This procedure may be performed in your doctor’s exam room or a Dignity Health - St. Rose Dominican hospital.
- Myolysis. Extreme cold or electric current delivered by a needle to destroy fibroids. In his or her exam room, your doctor uses ultrasound or camera guidance to help insert needles into the fibroids. Electricity or cold travels along the needle and destroys the fibroids.
- Myomectomy is surgical removal of uterine fibroids. It is performed in an operating room. Some surgeons make an incision in the abdomen to remove the fibroids. Others remove them via the vagina. Patients may spend a few nights in the hospital or go home the same day, depending on which approach is used.
- Hysterectomy is complete surgical removal of the uterus, which also removes any fibroids. After a hysterectomy, a woman cannot have children. Options include laparoscopic hysterectomy (via a few tiny incisions in the belly); vaginal hysterectomy (via small incisions in the vagina); and abdominal hysterectomy (via an incision in the belly).
Your doctor will tell you specific information regarding the risks and benefits of each option. The gynecologic surgery procedure that’s most appropriate for you will depend on your age, whether you want to have children in the future, the number and size of fibroids, and your overall health.
Recovering After Fibroid Removal in Las Vegas and Henderson, NV
Most women need a few weeks to fully recover after fibroid removal. The length of the recovery period depends on the procedure. Full recovery after hysterectomy takes three to six weeks.
Unless a hysterectomy is performed, new fibroids may grow after treatment. Your doctor or health care provider will continue to monitor you after fibroid removal. If your symptoms recur, additional treatment may be necessary.
Dignity Health - St. Rose Dominican doctors use the latest surgical technology to perform fibroid removal in Las Vegas and Henderson, NV.
