Myomectomy vs. Embolization
What are the differences between myomectomy and uterine fibroid embolization?
An estimated 70% of women experience symptomatic fibroid tumors, particularly during peak childbearing age (between 20 and mid-30s).
If you think symptoms like pelvic pain and heavy bleeding are due to uterine fibroids, the team of specialists at Dallas Fibroid Center can help.
Fortunately, painful fibroids can be addressed successfully with minimal downtime — even if they negatively affect your quality of life. Treatments like uterine fibroid embolization are appropriate for the majority of fibroid cases.
While surgical interventions like myomectomy have been standard procedures for fibroid relief for decades, they might not be your best option. Before making your final decision, we encourage you to review additional procedures that might be better choices for your overall health and lifestyle.
If you’re interested in learning about minimally invasive fibroid treatment options, here is what you need to know about myomectomy vs. embolization.
What is a Myomectomy?
A myomectomy is a surgical intervention that removes fibroid tumors (known clinically as myomas or leiomyomas) from the uterine muscle, walls, or cavity. The procedure involves surgically accessing the uterus, excising the fibroid tumors, and repairing the uterus.
Myomectomies can be performed using the following approaches:
- Abdominal
- Hysteroscopic
- Laparoscopic
- Robotic
Both robotic and laparoscopic myomectomies are generally performed on an outpatient basis without requiring a hospital stay. However, abdominal and hysteroscopic procedures might require overnight monitoring in a hospital.
What is Uterine Fibroid Embolization?
Many patients benefit from uterine fibroid embolization (UFE). This advanced procedure can significantly reduce and even eradicate symptomatic fibroids.
The process involves fluoroscopic x-ray guidance to deliver embolic agents through an arterial channel through the groin or wrist. The agents disrupt the flow of blood to the fibroids, causing them to diminish in size and even disappear entirely. This highly effective treatment has a success rate of about 85%, in decreasing fibroids and symptoms significantly.
Embolization vs. Myomectomy
There are multiple procedures for treating fibroids; the most appropriate solution will depend upon the type, size, and location of the fibroids.
At Dallas Fibroid Center, our team offers the experience, dedication, and expertise necessary to successfully address symptomatic fibroids. We understand that providing personalized medical guidance helps patients make informed decisions that help them achieve the best possible outcomes.
There are several similarities between myomectomy and uterine fibroid embolization. They are both highly effective for a diverse population of patients. They also provide the following benefits:
- Both can treat fibroids of any size and location
- Both maintain the integrity of the uterus
- Both offer fast symptom relief
However, there are distinct differences that are worth exploring in detail:
UFE
- Requires local anesthesia and deep conscious sedation
- Requires local anesthesia and deep conscious sedation
- Requires a single puncture and no closing stitches
- Does not require hospitalization
- Treated fibroids do not recure
- Does not preserve/treat fertility if fibroids are inhibiting pregnancy
Myomectomy
- Requires general anesthesia
- Significant downtime with full recovery in approximately six weeks
- Requires an incision and closing stitches
- Requires hospitalization and monitoring
- High recurrence rate
- Might preserve or enhance fertility
It is also vital to recognize that myomectomies can present several risks, including the following:
- Blood loss
- Pregnancy complications
- Scar tissue buildup
- Uterine damage
- Damage to nearby organs
Before deciding upon a course of treatment, please have an in-depth consultation with a fibroid specialist and OBGYN.
Dallas Fibroid Specialists
Dallas Fibroid Center offers personalized guidance and advanced treatment options, including minimally invasive procedures. We do not believe major surgical intervention is automatically the best option for symptomatic fibroids.
The majority of patients achieve exceptional outcomes through outpatient procedures like UFE.
Is UFE right for me?
UFE offers excellent outcomes for a diverse population of patients.
If you struggle with symptomatic fibroids, please schedule a consultation with the expert team at Dallas Fibroid Center today.
