Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous tumors that grow inside the uterus or outside on the uterus wall. According to the Mid-American Interventional Radiological Society website, large fibroids can obstruct the bowels or urinary tract. Although small to medium fibroids are often left alone, large fibroids are commonly removed using various procedures.
Fact
Uterine fibroid tumors are also known as "uterine myomas." They occur in 30 percent of women older than the age of 35.
Hysterectomy
A hysterectomy removes uterine fibroid tumors by removing the whole uterus. According to the Women's Health website, a hysterectomy is recommended if the uterus is extremely enlarged by the growth of large fibroids or numerous small fibroids.
Myomectomy
A myomectomy surgically removes uterine fibroids without removing the uterus. However, there's a chance the fibroids will grow again. According to the Women's Health website, the procedure is performed in a variety of ways, depending on the size, number and location of the fibroids.
Laparoscopic and Abdominal Myomectomy
A laparoscopic myomectomy is a delicate procedure requiring great skill. Instead of looking directly inside the patient's abdomen, the doctor makes a very small incision for insertion of a tiny camera. He watches a large monitor suspended over the patient. On the monitor is an inside view of the patient that allows the doctor to see the fibroids to remove them. An abdominal myomectomy is less risky because the doctor makes an incision large enough to see directly into the abdomen.
Hysteroscopic Myomectomy
This procedure is used to remove fibroids that grow just beneath the lining of the uterus. A laparoscope is inserted into the uterus, providing an inside view. A resectoscope is then used to shave away parts of the fibroid. According to the Fibroid Medical Center of Northern California website, the resectoscope has a wire loop on the end that uses a high-frequency electrical current to cut the tissue.
Tags: large fibroids, According Women, According Women Health, doctor makes, fibroid tumors, Health website
