How is uterine fibroid surgery performed?

Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on February 07, 2025
00:00
00:00

When a woman has uterine fibroids, the surgical method should be decided based on the specific location, size, number of fibroids, age, and fertility requirements. If the uterine fibroid is relatively large, pretreatment can typically be carried out before the surgery. For example, using GNRHA-type drugs can reduce the size of uterine fibroids and lower the risk of surgery. Submucosal fibroids can be treated with hysteroscopic electroresection. Intramural or subserosal fibroids can be removed via laparoscopic surgery.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Shun Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
40sec home-news-image

How to check for uterine fibroids?

Uterine fibroids can primarily be diagnosed through ultrasound and gynecological examinations. Uterine fibroids are relatively easy to diagnose; an ultrasound can reveal irregular masses on the uterus or solid echoes, with a fairly intact capsule, which could be either solitary or multiple, confirming the presence of uterine fibroids. During a gynecological examination, an irregular uterine shape with localized protrusions can be felt, which are fairly mobile and typically not associated with significant pain, further confirming the presence of uterine fibroids.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Sun Shan Shan
Obstetrics and Gynecology
57sec home-news-image

How to treat uterine fibroids?

Uterine fibroids are the most common benign tumors of the female reproductive organs, consisting of smooth muscle and connective tissue, mostly seen in women aged 30-50. Uterine fibroids can be classified into fibroids of the uterine body and cervical fibroids. Depending on their location, the treatments differ. Fibroids of the uterine body are further divided into intramural fibroids, subserosal fibroids, and submucosal fibroids. In cases of submucosal fibroids, prompt symptomatic treatment is necessary once detected, as these fibroids grow towards the uterine cavity and protrude into it, covered only by the endometrium on the surface. Hence, timely surgical intervention and regular physical examinations are crucial for submucosal fibroids.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhao Xiao Dong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
49sec home-news-image

How many days after uterine fibroid surgery can I wash my hair?

Uterine fibroid surgery, including myomectomy and hysterectomy, does not require the postpartum practice of "sitting the month," and there are no prohibitions against washing hair or bathing, unlike after childbirth. Generally, the surgical wound will fully heal about a week after the operation, at which point it is possible to wash hair and even bathe. Of course, it is important to monitor the recovery process after uterine fibroid surgery. If there are signs of infection at the surgical site, such as redness, hardening, or discharge of pus, the wound generally needs to be opened, the stitches removed, and the dressing changed regularly. Antibiotic and anti-infection treatments are administered until the wound fully heals, after which washing hair and bathing are permissible.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Sun Shan Shan
Obstetrics and Gynecology
1min 2sec home-news-image

How long does uterine fibroid surgery take?

Firstly, there are several types of surgeries for uterine fibroids, so the duration of the surgery depends on the size of the fibroids, the surgical method, and the type of anesthesia used. If the surgery is an open surgery for simply removing benign uterine fibroids, the operation, including the time for anesthesia, generally takes about two hours, which is not very long. If the surgery is done laparoscopically under general anesthesia, it may take a longer time, and it takes some time for the patient to recover from anesthesia post-surgery. If the uterine tumor is malignant, then the surgery might require rapid pathological examination and the removal of other areas, leading to a more extended surgery time which can vary significantly.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Wang Jing Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
55sec home-news-image

Do uterine fibroids have a genetic component?

Uterine fibroids indeed have a certain hereditary quality, similar to some other tumors or diseases, with a definite familial genetic component. However, the condition of uterine fibroids varies from person to person and is also related to acquired factors such as estrogen levels. The majority of uterine fibroids are simply carried, with the incidence in the population reaching over 20%. Many people with uterine fibroids do not need to worry about them, and no surgery is required, as regular check-ups are sufficient. After menopause, some fibroids may shrink and gradually disappear on their own. Some uterine fibroids during the reproductive years will ultimately require surgery, and there is also a small chance of needing surgery after menopause.