What Are Uterine Fibroids?

We speak with Mr Magdy Nawar, consultant gynaecologist at Clementine Churchill Hospital, about having uterine fibroids. Uterine fibroids are small growths that develop in or around your womb (uterus). In the majority of cases, they are non-cancerous (benign). The growths attach themselves to the wall of the uterus and vary in size from a few millimetres to several centimetres. They are made up from tissue, such as muscle. You might want to have the fibroids surgically removed if they are preventing you from getting pregnant or causing other unpleasant symptoms. Links: For more information, please visit: https://www.circlehealthgroup.co.uk/health-matters/womens-health/uterine-fibroids-or-polyps https://www.circlehealthgroup.co.uk/treatments/laparoscopic-myomectomies To find a consultant near you, visit: https://www.circlehealthgroup.co.uk/find-an-appointment Chapters: 02:01: What are the most common symptoms of fibroids? 02:32: How do you diagnose fibroids? 03:13: What are the treatment options? A myomectomy is an operation to remove a fibroid (also known as a myoma). There are two approaches to performing myomectomies: open myomectomy and laparoscopic myomectomy (keyhole surgery). What are the key symptoms of uterine fibroids? Symptoms of fibroids can be varied, and will typically depend on their size, how many there are, and where they are located. Common symptoms can include: Swelling in lower abdomen A feeling of pressure in the uterus Needing to urinate more frequently than usual Back ache Constipation Heavy and/or painful periods (due to the fibroid stopping the uterus contracting efficiently during a period) Vaginal bleeding after sex Irregular bleeding in between periods Much like the variety of symptoms experienced, any treatment plan will be guided by how many fibroids you have, how big they are, and where they are located. Open surgery for fibroids A myomectomy is typically performed as an open abdominal operation under general anaesthetic, with one large incision made, either across the bikini line or in a vertical line down the abdomen. Depending on the size or number of fibroids, another incision may be made if necessary. Once the incision has been made and access to the uterus has been established, any fibroids will be surgically removed. Sometimes a drug will be injected into the fibroid in order to help prevent excessive blood loss, or a tourniquet will be used on the fibroid to cut off the blood supply. With the fibroids removed, your incision will be closed and stitched/stapled together to complete the operation. Laparoscopic myomectomies In some instances you might be offered a laparoscopic (keyhole) myomectomy, which is where your surgeon inserts specially designed tools through very small incisions to perform the operation without 'opening you up'. A laparoscopic myomectomy might have a shorter recovery time than an open myomectomy, but this type of surgery won't be the best choice for everyone, so you should speak to your consultant about whether it's the right treatment for you. Both a laparoscopic and hysteroscopic myomectomy carry their own risks, which your consultant would be able to discuss in greater detail with you if appropriate. Fibroids can cause several symptoms, including painful and heavy periods, frequent urination, lower abdomen pain and problems with fertility. A myomectomy is carried out to resolve these symptoms. Consultant details: Mr Magdy Nawar is a consultant gynaecologist at Clementine Churchill Hospital. Learn more about his expertise: https://www.circlehealthgroup.co.uk/consultants/magdy-nawar To see how Clementine Churchill Hospital can help you, visit: https://www.circlehealthgroup.co.uk/hospitals/the-clementine-churchill-hospital If you have any of the symptoms outlined in this video, seek professional medical help as soon as possible. Do you want to hear more about other gynaecological conditions? Leave a comment below and we will plan future videos on suggested topics. #fibroids #uterinefibroids #surgeryforfibroids