Treatments for fibroids can differ according on the patient’s general health, the size and location of the fibroids, and the symptoms they produce. The following list of typical therapies and their variations:
Medication: Medication can assist in the management of symptoms related to fibroids, such as severe bleeding and pelvic pain. These can include hormonal therapy such as birth control pills, gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRH agonists), or progestin-releasing intrauterine devices (IUDs) to help shrink fibroids or control bleeding, as well as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) for pain relief.
Non-invasive procedures: Without making any incisions, non-invasive techniques such as focused ultrasonic surgery (FUS) use high-energy ultrasound waves to heat and kill fibroid tissue. MRI-guided focused ultrasound surgery (MRgFUS), which blends focused ultrasonography with MRI imaging, offers a further non-invasive approach.
Minimally invasive operations: Compared to regular surgery, minimally invasive procedures typically require fewer incisions and require less time to recover from. As examples, consider:
- Laparoscopic or robotic myomectomy: This procedure uses sophisticated surgical devices to remove fibroids through tiny abdominal incisions.
- Hysteroscopic myomectomy: Without making any incisions in the abdomen, fibroids inside the uterus can be removed with a hysteroscope that is introduced through the cervix and vagina.
During uterine artery embolization (UAE), the fibroids’ blood supply is cut off and they shrink as a result of the injection of small particles into the blood arteries nourishing the fibroids.
Traditional surgical options: In some cases, traditional surgery may be necessary for fibroid removal. This can include:
- Abdominal myomectomy: This involves making a larger incision in the abdomen to access and remove fibroids from the uterus.
- Hysterectomy : In severe cases where fibroids are causing significant symptoms and other treatments have failed, a hysterectomy may be recommended. This involves the surgical removal of the uterus, and sometimes the cervix as well.
Each of these treatments has its own set of benefits, risks, and considerations, so it’s important for patients to discuss their options with their healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate treatment for their individual situation.
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