Innovative Treatments for Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids are noncancerous tumors that may require treatment when symptoms, such as severe abdominal pain and excessive menstrual bleeding, affect a woman’s quality of life.

For women of any age, University Hospitals’ team of gynecologists and interventional radiologists offer the latest minimally invasive surgical and nonsurgical treatment options to address individual needs and goals. For fibroid treatment, options are personalized based on the location and size of the fibroid, and fertility preservation preference.

Surgical Treatment for Fibroids

Surgery to remove the uterus (hysterectomy) has been the traditional procedure for effective treatment of uterine fibroids. However, another surgical option is to remove the fibroids through a procedure known as myomectomy. In contrast to a hysterectomy, the uterus remains intact in a myomectomy, preserving the woman’s fertility. A myomectomy can be done as a traditional open procedure or can use minimally invasive, laparoscopic techniques.

Da Vinci Robotic Surgery

The gynecologic surgery experts are skilled at performing robotic myomectomy with the da Vinci robotic surgery system. Da Vinci uses an advanced set of surgical instruments that the surgeons is able to manipulate in real time during surgery to remove fibroids. The system gives the surgeon a magnified 3-D view of the surgical area, allowing her to use smaller incisions and precise techniques. Robotic surgery has many advantages over traditional open or laparoscopic myomectomy, including less pain and blood loss, lower risk of complications, shorter recovery times, and better outcomes.

Investigating New Uterine Fibroid Treatment Options

Surgery to remove the uterus has long been the gold standard in effective treatment of uterine fibroids. As a leader in clinical research, the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology at University Hospitals is at the forefront of exploring new treatment options to shrink fibroids and eliminate uterine fibroid symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding and fibroid pain. We also offer several national clinical drug trials focused on treating uterine fibroids with medications. Targeting fibroids with high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is another promising innovation.

Streamlined Access to Expert Care

Women seeking treatment for uterine fibroids typically need to make appointments with several specialists to explore fibroid treatment options, such as hysterectomy, myomectomy, uterine artery embolization or medication. University Hospitals makes that process more convenient through its dedicated Fibroid Center, where women meet with a gynecologist and an interventional radiologist during a single appointment. There, our team will discuss treatment options with her and develop a personalized plan based on the woman’s age, health, fertility preservation preference, and the size, number and location of the fibroids.