Fibroids, or more specifically uterine fibroids, are benign lumps in the muscle of the womb. They are very common, especially in women aged 30 to 50 years, and are up to four times commoner in blacks than in whites. Most often, fibroids grow silently in the womb and do not cause any symptoms therefore in many women they are only diagnosed accidentally during examination of the tummy or at ultrasound scan. Where symptoms arise, they are either menstrual problems (heavy periods), mass effects (swelling and pressure in the tummy, frequent urination) or miscellaneous problems (infertility, pelvic pain) or a combination of the above. Treatment depends on the severity of symptoms caused, the number, size and position of the fibroids, and a woman’s desire for pregnancy.
AltaVista Clinics consultants have extensive experience of treating fibroids and will discuss all alternatives fully with you to arrive at an appropriate management option. We offer:
- Detailed investigations such as ultrasound scan, special blood tests and MRI scan if necessary
- Special hormonal treatment regimens for control of symptoms and fibroid growth
- Hysteroscopic Myomectomy – keyhole surgery to remove fibroids from lining of womb
- Laparoscopic Myomectomy – keyhole surgery to remove fibroids through tiny incisions
- Open Myomectomy – removal of fibroids through bikini incision on tummy
- Hysterectomy if required – removal of womb through keyhole or bikini incisions
- Referral for Uterine Artery Embolization to shrink fibroids
*Selected Publications
https://doi.org/10.1093/humrep/dei049
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2008.04.002
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0020-7292(09)61158-9
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