Expert Fibroid Removal in Southern California
Uterine fibroids, tumors on the wall of the uterus, are almost never cancerous. However, they can cause heavy menstrual bleeding, bloating, painful sex, and frequent urination.
Many women seek treatment when their symptoms start interfering with their quality of life. At Dignity Health Southern California, we focus on each woman’s life, in addition to her health. You can count on our doctors to treat you as the individual you are, while providing expert fibroid removal in Southern California.
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Why We Perform Uterine Fibroid Removal
Fibroid removal relieves symptoms and helps many women get back to the lifestyles they enjoy.
Fibroid removal is often recommended due to:
- Rapid growth of the fibroid
- Infertility
- Heavy menstrual bleeding that interferes with activity
- Bleeding between periods
- Significant pain
- Worsening symptoms
Uterine Fibroid Removal Procedures at Dignity Health Southern California
The most common methods of fibroid removal are:
- Endometrial ablation, to destroy the lining of the uterus. Doctors use electricity, extreme cold, lasers, or microwave energy. Endometrial ablation is minor surgery and may be performed in an exam room.
- Myolysis, which uses a needle and electric current or extreme cold to destroy fibroids. Doctors use either a camera or ultrasound to help them insert needles into the fibroids. Cold or electricity flows along the needle. This procedure may be performed in an exam room.
- MRI-guided ultrasound surgery, which uses ultrasound waves to destroy fibroids.
- Uterine fibroid embolization, to block blood flow, causing fibroids to shrink. This procedure may be performed in an exam room or hospital setting.
- Hysterectomy, which is the complete removal of the uterus. It is performed a hospital operating room. Be aware that you cannot have children after a hysterectomy.
- Myomectomy, which is also performed in an operating room. Your surgeon may remove the fibroids through the vagina or the abdomen.
- Acessa® Laparoscopic Radiofrequency Ablation, a minimally–Invasive outpatient procedure where the fibroid tissues are thermally dehydrated while sparing health tissue in and around the uterus. It is performed in an operating room under general anesthesia. At this time, Acessa is only offered at Northridge Hospital.
Your doctor will explain each recommended procedure with you, including the goals, risks, and benefits. Recommendations will take into consideration the size of your fibroids, how many you have, your age, and your reproductive goals. Your lifestyle and personal preferences are also important. Ask questions and share any concerns. Dignity Health Southern California doctors are here to listen and address your specific needs.
Recovery After Uterine Fibroid Removal
Most women need a few weeks to fully recover from fibroid removal. Full recovery after hysterectomy takes three to six weeks. The time you need to heal will depend on your procedure and overall health.
Fibroids won’t come back if you have a hysterectomy. They may come back after other procedures. Your doctor will continue to monitor your health and talk with you about any additional treatments that may be needed.
The experienced doctors at Dignity Health perform expert fibroid removal in Southern California.