A fibroid is a non-cancerous growth found in the uterus. Surgical procedures such as hysterectomies, and myomectcomies remove fibroids to relieve symptoms. Recovery conditions vary based on the invasiveness of the procedure.
Hysterectomy
Hysterectomies remove fibroids by removing the entire uterus. Doctors perform hysterectomies in various ways including, through a large incision in the abdomen, laparoscopically through 3 to 4 small incisions in the abdomen, and vaginally through an incision in the vagina.
Recovery from hysterectomy
An abdominal hysterectomy involves a large incision and has a recovery time of 4 to 6 weeks. Laparoscopic and vaginal hysterectomies utilize small incisions reducing recovery time to 3 to 4 weeks. All hysterectomies require 2 to 3 day hospital stays, painkillers, potentially a catheter to assist with the passage for urine, and moving around to prevent blood clots.
Myomectomy
A myomectomy procedure removes only the fibroids, leaving the uterus intact. Doctors remove fibroids either by using one abdominal incision, laparoscopically using several small incisions or vaginally using a probe with an electric current inserted into the vagina to cut away fibroid tissue.
Recovery from myomectomy
Recovery time after a single, large incision myomectomy lasts about 4 to 6 weeks. Laparoscopic and vaginal myomectomies have shorter recovery times of 1 to 3 weeks. All mymectomies require 2 to 3 day hospital stays, painkillers, and moving around as quickly as possible to prevent blood clots.
Recovery at home
Patients should get plenty of rest, avoid heavy lifting for 6 weeks, and avoid sexual intercourse until the doctor says it's okay. Contact your doctor if your pain worsens or you develop a fever, nausea, vomiting or heavy bleeding.
Tags: large incision, remove fibroids, small incisions, blood clots, hospital stays, hospital stays painkillers
