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.
