Endoscopic Management of Uterine Fibroid

Growths that develop in the wall of the uterus are known as uterine fibroids. The uterus is the organ in which a fetus develops so uterine fibroids have been known to affect the chances of pregnancy. Women over the ages of 40 are more likely to develop uterine fibroids however they have been identified at other ages as well. Usually, more than one uterine fibroid may be found , and they may vary from being large in size, up to eight or more inches in diameter to small, about an inch or less. rnSurgical Treatments for Uterine FibroidsrnUterine fibroids may be managed by techniques that are designed to treat the symptoms that they cause, such as pelvic pain, bloating, pain during sex, constipation, frequent urination, enlarged uterus, pelvic pressure, leg or lower back pain, or infertility that results from blocked fallopian tubes. While there are medications available that may treat the symptoms of uterine fibroids, usually surgery is recommended by a fertility expert. rnThe following surgical treatments are suggested to treat uterine fibroids: rnUterine Fibroid EmbolizationrnThis procedure cuts off the flow of blood to the fibroid, thereby terminating its lifeline. A radiologist threads a catheter into an artery in the patient’s groin and guides it into the uterus. Small particles will then be injected so as to blood the supply of blood that the fibroid is thriving upon. rnMyolysis and CryohemolysisrnThrough myolysis, a directed heat source is used to shrink the fibroids. Devices such as lasers which use high frequency electrical to cauterize the blood flow to the fibroids are opted for. They are inserted through miniscule incisions and guided by a laparoscope. Cryohemolysis, which freezes the fibroids using liquid nitrogen, is also used as an alternative. In these procedures, the fibroids aren’t surgically removed, but merely are shrunk. rnMyomectomyrnA myomectomy refers to the surgical removal of fibroids without removing the uterus. A myomectomy is a good option if fertility is to be preserved. The different types of myomectomy surgeries are as follow: - Laparoscopic-assisted vaginal myomectomy (LAVM)—Using a combination of standard surgery and a laparoscope, there are some fibroids that can be reached through the vagina. - Laparoscopic myomectomy—This surgery involves the removal of fibroids using a laparoscope through small incisions made near the navel. - Laparotomy (abdominal myomectomy)—Fibroids in the body of the uterus and on the surface may be removed through a surgical entry into the abdomen. - Laparoscopic myomectomy with mini-laparotomy—A larger incision using a combination of standard surgical techniques and a laparoscope can be used to remove fibroids on the surface of the uterus that are larger in size. - Endometrial ablation—To destroy fibroids within the uterine lining, heat is applied to the lining, which prevents further abnormal bleeding. - Hysteroscopic myomectomy—A hysteroscope may be used to target fibroids on the inside of the uterus. This device is inserted through the cervix and vagina.rnFocused Ultrasound SurgeryrnThis technique involves a patient undergoing an MRI scan to view her abdominal area and uterus. The fibroids will be destroyed using focused sound waves, leaving the uterus intact.rnHysterectomyrnThe removal of the uterus is known as a hysterectomy. After a hysterectomy, pregnancy is an impossibility.