By: Beth Walsh for Fibroids1Uterine fibroids can cause abnormal bleeding and discomfort – but for many women, the most severe repercussion is problems conceiving a baby.
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Uterine fibroids are the most frequent pelvic tumors seen by gynecologists.
Fibroids are benign tumors made up of fibrous tissue and smooth muscle. They can be found in the cavity of the uterus, in the wall of the uterus or outside of the uterus.
Fibroids can grow as a single tumor or in clusters that vary in size.
Fibroids occur in half of African-American women and one quarter of Caucasian women and are most prevalent in women in their 40s.
Call your doctor if you suspect fibroids, or if you have heavy bleeding, pain, or any reproductive issues. |
Removing fibroids is often an important step in creating an environment that allows for conception, implantation of the embryo in the uterine wall and a full-term, healthy pregnancy. Hysterectomy has been the leading treatment for fibroids, but removing the female reproductive organs eliminates the ability to bear a child. Embolization is a procedure that uses a catheter to send particles into arteries that feed blood to fibroids. The particles block blood supply, eventually shrinking the fibroid(s). However, the procedure damages the walls of the uterus, again putting fertility at risk.
Open surgery to remove fibroids also can interfere with fertility because of scar tissue that results from the incision in the uterus. Techniques that are less invasive are easier on the patient but they still can’t guarantee the ability to bear a child. The uterus cannot be stitched back together strongly enough to ensure a full-term pregnancy.
Minimally invasive surgery has improved fibroid removal, allowing for fewer complications and faster recovery times. Now, robotic surgery is helping to further improve the procedure. As in minimally invasive surgery, the surgeon uses three small incisions to insert tools and view the actual procedure through a tiny camera inserted into the patient.
With robotic surgery, even smaller tools can be used for greater precision and dexterity. The surgeon actually spends most of the procedure at a console looking inside the patient through a monitor and controlling the robot with hand controls and foot pedals. The robot’s camera allows the surgeon a three-dimensional view that can be magnified up to 15 times. That helps the surgeon see very small blood vessels and nerves that can be spared and do very little damage to surrounding tissue.
As use of robotic surgery increases and gains acceptance in the medical community, more women can look forward to safer, more effective fibroid removal and a greater chance of preserving their fertility.
