Tag: Hysterectomy

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Fibroids

Recovery Time of Fibroid Treatment

When it comes to the different procedures that can remove uterine fibroids, the recovery time of each method is something to keep in mind.

When it comes to the different procedures that can remove uterine fibroids, the recovery time of each method is something to keep in mind.

Some surgeries like a hysterectomy will require a few nights of hospitalization following the procedure, and take several weeks or even months of rest in order to fully recover.

Other fibroid removal procedures like Uterine Fibroid Embolization, which we specialize in here at MidAtlantic Vascular and Interventional, can be performed as an outpatient procedure, allowing for the patient to go home the same day. Not only that, but most women find they can resume their normal activities in a few days.

Really?

Yes! The average recovery period from Uterine Fibroid Embolization is about 1-2 weeks!

Though UFE is a ground-breaking non-invasive treatment that is efficient, effective, and has a much shorter recovery period- some women are still opting to have their fibroids removed through the surgical procedures of a hysterectomy or a myomectomy. The reason for this, in some cases, is that many women are unaware of the other options available, and therefore are still opting to have a more invasive procedure. Therefore a myomectomy still remains one of the most common treatment methods for removing fibroids.

As we’ve covered in previous articles about the surgical removal of fibroids, a myomectomy is a surgical procedure that removes uterine fibroids while keeping the uterus intact and is a treatment option for women who wish to have children after the fibroids are removed, or who wish to keep their uterus for other reasons.

There are three main types of myomectomies: laparoscopic myomectomy, abdominal myomectomy, and hysteroscopic myomectomy.

Today let’s take a look at the expected length of recovery following each type of myomectomy.

The first approach is a standard open surgery, while the second and third options are less invasive.

1. Laparotomy, also known as an Abdominal Myomectomy:

A laparotomic myomectomy is performed as open surgery, by way of an abdominal incision.

A laparotomic myomectomy is usually necessary when there are several very large fibroids that are located in a difficult area of the uterus to reach using other surgical methods. It is also oftentimes the best approach to removing intramural fibroids, which are fibroids that are located primarily within the width of the uterus.

Recovery Period:

Though effective, due to its invasiveness, a laparotomic myomectomy has a higher risk for blood loss and scarring and involves the longest recovery period among the different types of myomectomies.

An abdominal myomectomy is usually followed by a 2-3 day hospital stay. Once back at home, the average post-surgical recovery period is around 6 weeks, which includes avoiding exercises, such as biking, jogging, and aerobic exercise. It also requires complete abstinence from lifting anything that could cause strain on the body.

During the recovery period, most women will need to take at least 2-3 weeks off from work so that they can rest and recover, depending on the type of work that they do and how they feel during the weeks following the procedure.

2. Laparoscopy:

During a laparoscopic myomectomy, the surgeon will make four incisions of about a half-inch each into the lower abdomen. Through these, a laparoscope and other small instruments are inserted into the uterus to remove uterine fibroids.

A laparoscopic myomectomy is most appropriate for fibroids located on the outer layer of the uterus, known as the serosa. Known as subserosal fibroids, this particular type of fibroid grows toward the outside of the uterus. And, similar to an abdominal myomectomy this method of fibroid removal requires general anesthesia.

Recovery Period:

Though a laparoscopic myomectomy is less invasive than an abdominal myomectomy, the amount of time it takes to recover post-op is still significant.

A laparoscopic myomectomy operation is usually followed by at least one night in the hospital. After that, the general restrictions are the same as those after an abdominal myomectomy, however, most women find they can resume some normal activities within about 4 weeks.

3. Hysteroscopy:

During a hysteroscopic myomectomy, fibroids are removed using a surgical instrument called a hysteroscopic resectoscope which is inserted through the vagina and cervix and into the uterus. Then, a wire loop is used to shave off and thereby remove the fibroids.

A hysteroscopic myomectomy is typically the most appropriate type of myomectomy for fibroids that bulge into the uterus, called submucosal fibroids.

Recovery Period:

A hysteroscopic myomectomy involves general or local anesthesia and most women are able to go home the same day as the procedure, following a few hours of observation. However, in rare cases, a night of recovery in the hospital can be necessary.

The Bottom Line:

A hysterectomy and any type of myomectomy procedure to remove uterine fibroids will result in a longer period of post-op recovery, especially when compared to a non-invasive procedure like Uterine Fibroid Embolization.

In some cases, the recovery may take a few weeks, in other cases, it could take months. In fact, some women might experience less post-surgery pain than others, while some may need to take prescription pain relievers and limit their activities for quite some time. However, regardless of the rate of recovery, all women will experience a period of recovery and will need to take certain precautions and adhere to the restrictions set forth by their doctor, to have the safest, shortest, recovery period possible.

In our next article, we will take a look at the recovery time of the fibroid removal procedure, Uterine Fibroid Embolization, which we specialize in here at MidAtlantic Vascular and Interventional.

Unlike a myomectomy, UFE addresses and eliminates all types of uterine fibroids, allowing for a fully functional uterus post-surgery, without risks and complications from fibroid surgery. UFE has a recovery time of about a week allowing a woman to quickly return to their normal daily life.

To learn more about UFE and to set up a consultation, please call us today.

 

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Fibroids

Side Effects and Risks of a Hysterectomy

A hysterectomy is one of the treatment options for women with uterine fibroids. It comes with its own set of side effects and risks. 

As we’ve covered in our previous articles, a hysterectomy, which is the surgical removal of the uterus and cervix, is one of the treatment options for women with uterine fibroids. And, like all surgeries, it comes with its own set of side effects and risks.

One of the benefits of having a hysterectomy is that in removing the uterus, the fibroids are also removed. In doing so, not only are the fibroids eliminated but so is the possibility of them growing back. To put it frankly, no more uterus, no more fibroids.

Women that would like to avoid having to take medication and experience the side effects associated with them, as well as women who would like to avoid the risk of fibroids returning following some of the other treatment procedures available, may wish to explore this option. However, it’s important to keep in mind that a hysterectomy is a major surgery and it is not without its own side effects and risks.

So let’s take a look at some of the potential side effects and risks of having a hysterectomy, as well as what can be expected in regard to the recovery period following the procedure.

A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure in which the uterus and cervix are removed through either an incision in the abdomen or belly button, or it is done vaginally. The procedure typically takes 1-3 hours and requires a spinal or epidural anesthetic that numbs the lower parts of the body, and it also may involve the use of a general anesthetic to put the patient to sleep during the surgery.

Once the surgery is complete, the recovery period can be rather difficult. A post-surgery hospital stay is necessary for up to five days. Then, once home, it can take roughly 6-8 weeks of rest to fully recover.

Some of the most common side effects associated with having a hysterectomy are vaginal drainage that may occur up to six weeks after surgery, and irritation at the surgical incision sites.
Other side effects may include:

– Blood clots.
– Hemorrhage.
– Infection.
– Injury to other surrounding organs including the bladder, ureter (the tube that connects the kidney to the bladder), intestines, muscles, nerves, or blood vessels.
– Formation of a fistula (an abnormal connection between the vagina and bladder).
– Allergic reactions to the anesthetic, pain medication, adhesives, or skin prep used during the procedure.

If the hysterectomy involves removing the ovaries and fallopian tubes, side effects such as menopausal symptoms are often experienced.

These include:

– hot flashes
– vaginal dryness
– loss of libido
– insomnia

It’s also important to understand that a hysterectomy is not reversible, it is permanent. After a woman has a hysterectomy, she will no longer have a period, and will no longer be able to bear children. For this reason, as well as others, many women experience emotional side effects from having a hysterectomy. The surgery has also been associated with an increased risk of long-term mental health issues. This is especially true of depression and anxiety.

The bottom line: If you are considering a hysterectomy, it is important to speak with your doctor about your concerns. In this day and age, a hysterectomy is far from the only surgical option for removing fibroids. In fact, there are several surgical procedures to remove fibroids while sparing the uterus- which is especially important for women who would like to have children, and for women that would prefer to avoid having major surgery.

In our next article, we will take a look at a uterine-sparing surgical procedure to remove uterine fibroids called a myomectomy.

 

Categories
Fibroids

Hysterectomy: Is This Treatment Option Right For You?

Depending on the severity of the fibroids and fibroid-related symptoms, some women may still opt to have a hysterectomy.

Though hysterectomy surgery was once common practice for women with fibroids, today there are many different options. However, depending on the severity of the fibroids and fibroid-related symptoms, some women may still opt to have a hysterectomy.

Therefore, today let’s dive deeper into this surgical procedure, and cover the different types of hysterectomies, as well as reasons why some women might elect to have this operation.

There are three different types of hysterectomies, and they are:

  • Supracervical hysterectomy: During this procedure, surgeons remove the uterus but not the cervix. A doctor may also refer to this procedure as subtotal or partial hysterectomy, it is most often used to treat conditions such as endometriosis.
  • Radical hysterectomy: This surgery removes the uterus, cervix, and surrounding support tissue. Doctors often recommend this type of hysterectomy for people with cancer.
  • Total hysterectomy: This surgery involves the complete removal of the uterus and cervix. This can be used to treat many conditions, such as heavy menstrual bleeding, and uterine fibroids.

It’s also important to note that depending on the circumstances surrounding the need for a hysterectomy, the surgeon may also remove the ovaries (oophorectomy) and the fallopian tubes (salpingectomy).

Though there are some promising medications available, such as the Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists Lupron, Synarel, and Zoladex which can shrink fibroids and reduce fibroid-related heavy bleeding- some women would prefer a permanent surgical procedure such as a hysterectomy, so as to avoid having to take these medications due to their side effects and risks.

In fact, it is estimated that 40% of women taking GnRH agonists experience side effects such as:

  • hot flashes
  • mood changes
  • increased sweating
  • muscle stiffness
  • vaginal dryness

And the most concerning side effect of GnRH agonist therapy,  osteoporosis.

Other medications that are used to treat fibroids are:

  • Birth control: Birth control can also be used to help with symptoms of fibroids — specifically heavy bleeding during and between periods and menstrual cramps.
    – Given that some of the most commonly prescribed birth control pills can increase estrogen and therefore increase the size of fibroids, birth control is not always the best solution.
  • Progesterone-containing agents: Pills, implants, injections, or an intrauterine device (IUD) — may also control bleeding.
    – If the fibroids are small, and the symptoms are mild, a progesterone-containing birth control pill may be beneficial in reducing symptoms. However, they come with their own set of side effects, and they can sometimes mask the severity of fibroids and other underlying conditions.
  • Elagolix: A combination of a GnRH agonist, estradiol, and norethindrone that has proven to be effective at reducing fibroid symptoms with a lower risk of adverse problems that can come from GnRH agonists alone.
    – Elagolix interacts with several other medications, and if taken long-term can cause permanent bone loss.
  • Tranexamic acid: An antifibrinolytic oral drug that’s indicated for the treatment of cyclic heavy menstrual bleeding in women with uterine fibroids.
    – Though it is a nonhormonal option to reduce menstrual blood loss, it does not affect or address the underlying cause of the bleeding- which is the fibroids themselves. It is also expensive.

Medications can be effective at managing fibroid symptoms, however, they do so, as a temporary solution. Medications do not fix the problem and sometimes they can even make things worse.

Therefore the main benefit of having a hysterectomy is that it doesn’t just manage fibroid symptoms, but by surgically removing the uterus, it removes the fibroids completely.

Not only does a hysterectomy remove fibroids and eliminate any possibility of them returning, but it also eliminates any possibility of having children.

For women that would like to have children, medication may be a good option to help manage fibroid symptoms allowing them to postpone a hysterectomy.  Or they may opt to have a uterine-sparing procedure done such as a myomectomy or Uterine Fibroid Embolization, which we specialize in here at MidAtlantic Vascular and Interventional.

The Bottom Line: For women with severe fibroids, fibroids that keep coming back, and fibroids that haven’t responded well to medication or other procedures, a hysterectomy may be an option worth considering. That being said, just like with medications, having a hysterectomy isn’t without its own set of side effects and risks. In our next article, we will take a look at what those are.

 

Categories
Fibroids

Is a Hysterectomy an Option

Treatment options for women with uterine fibroids used to be very limited. One of the first lines of treatment was a hysterectomy.

In the past, treatment options for women with uterine fibroids were very limited. In fact, more often than not, one of the first lines of treatment was a hysterectomy.

Though there are now many different treatment methods for women with uterine fibroids, a hysterectomy is still an option to consider, and sometimes it is necessary. Therefore today, let’s take a look at what a hysterectomy is, and why it can be a potential treatment option for women with uterine fibroids.

A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure that removes the uterus and the cervix. The procedure is usually done through either an incision in the abdomen or belly button, or it is done vaginally.

One of the benefits of having a hysterectomy is that in removing the uterus, the fibroids are also removed. In doing so, not only are the fibroids eliminated but so is the possibility of them growing back. To put it frankly, no more uterus, no more fibroids.

Another benefit of a hysterectomy is that because the operation removes the uterus, menstruation, and fibroid-related bleeding are stopped entirely.

Though there are several medications that can halt menstruation and stop or lessen fibroid-related bleeding, these medications are not without their issues. In fact, some women will opt to get a hysterectomy as a permanent fix to avoid having to use these medications long-term, which can increase the risk factors involved in taking them.

Some of the side effects and risks associated with medications for uterine fibroids that women may wish to avoid are:

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists: Lupron, Synarel, and Zoladex

  • These medications are used to shrink fibroids and reduce bleeding but can cause an increased risk of osteoporosis.

Tranexamic Acid: Lysteda

  • This medication is used to ameliorate fibroid-related heavy bleeding, however, it is expensive and it interacts with several other medications which as a result, can be potentially harmful.

Birth Control Pills: Lo Loestrin FE, Norethindrone

  • Given that some of the most commonly prescribed birth control pills out there can increase estrogen and therefore increase the size of fibroids, unless the birth control is the right balance of hormones, it could make the fibroid situation much worse. Also, using birth control is known to mask the severity of fibroids and other underlying conditions.

Combination therapy of Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists and birth control: Oriahnn

  • This medication can reduce period bleeding, but its treatment is limited to 24 months due to the risk of it causing permanent bone loss. It’s also expensive and interacts with many other medications.

A hysterectomy is an option for women with fibroids that would like to avoid having to take medication and experience the side effects associated with them, as well as avoid the risk of fibroids returning following some of the other treatment procedures available.  However, a hysterectomy is a major surgery, and it is not without its own side effects and risks.

In our next article, we will take a look at some of the potential side effects and risks associated with having a hysterectomy, as well as what can be expected in regard to the recovery period following the procedure.

Categories
Fibroids

Hysterectomy, Far From The Only Treatment

Even in these modern times, in the United States, it is estimated that one in three women undergoes a hysterectomy by the age of 60. And sadly, research has shown that many of these procedures may have been completely unnecessary.

In fact, a study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology found that of the women who had hysterectomies, nearly 20% did not need to have one.

Medicine has come a long way, especially in the treatment of women’s health, and one area of great advancement is the treatment and removal of uterine fibroids, using a minimally invasive process known as uterine fibroid embolization (UFE).

UFE is the only non-surgical procedure to date, that can be done to remove fibroids without requiring an incision. During a UFE procedure, an interventional radiologist will thread a tiny 2mm catheter through the groin or wrist. The radiologist will then move the catheter toward the artery that supplies blood to the fibroids. The catheter then releases tiny plastic particles through the catheter into those arteries, which will block the blood supply, causing the fibroids to shrink until they are altogether eliminated.

Uterine Fibroid Embolization is a very effective treatment and can be performed by our expert radiologist here at MidAtlantic Fibroid Care. It is an outpatient procedure, it does not require general anesthesia, and many patients find they can resume their normal activities in about a week after treatment. For women seeking UFE for fibroids that cause painful and heavy periods, about 85-90% achieve relief from their symptoms, without the need for surgery.

UFE is so effective, that less than 2% of patients will require repeated treatment.

So before you move forward with a more invasive treatment or surgery, make sure to explore all of your options. Long gone are the days of a hysterectomy being the first line of treatment. Today, fibroids are common, and treatable in much less drastic ways.

To see if UFE is a good treatment option for you, schedule an appointment with us today, and let us help you live a happier, healthier, life.

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