What Is Fibroid Removal?
Fibroid removal is a medical procedure to extract uterine fibroids that cause heavy bleeding, pelvic pressure or fertility problems. Also called myomectomy, this procedure removes the fibroid from surrounding uterine tissue while preserving healthy uterus tissue. The method of removing uterine fibroids depends on their size, number and location, including whether they press into or distort your uterine lining.
At Hysteroscopy Center of New York in Midtown Manhattan, Columbus Circle and Queens, Felix Cohen, MD, FACOG uses the see-and-treat approach. He first reviews your ultrasound images, bleeding patterns and anemia symptoms. If he sees fibroids during the procedure, then he can remove them at that time, saving you from having to return for a second treatment.
“An ultrasound report may say fibroid, but it does not always show whether that fibroid is the reason for bleeding or fertility difficulty,” says Dr. Cohen. “If you’ve been told you have fibroids after an ultrasound, the key question is whether that tissue is the reason behind your symptoms.”
Why Do I Need to Remove Uterine Fibroids?
Fibroid removal may be recommended when they cause abnormal uterine bleeding, pelvic pressure or reproductive issues, such as recurrent pregnancy loss. Uterine fibroids are benign smooth-muscle tumors within your uterus.
You may have fibroids that never cause symptoms. Their impact depends on their size, position and contact with your uterine lining. The type of fibroid removal procedure you may need depends on their location, such as:
- Submucosal fibroid removal treats fibroids that grow toward the uterine lining and cause heavy bleeding or spotting
- Intramural fibroids that develop in your uterine wall and cause heavy, painful periods
- Subserosal fibroids that grow outward and cause bloating or frequent urination
- Cavity-distorting fibroids, which alter your uterine shape and may affect conceiving or increase your miscarriage risk
- Large fibroids, causing pelvic heaviness, abdominal fullness or pressure on nearby organs
Uterine fibroids may also create reproductive or structural changes that are difficult to understand from an ultrasound report alone. In those cases, the differences of a hysteroscopy vs. sonohysterogram helps explain why the fibroid location matters. “The goal is to relieve your symptoms safely while preserving fertility whenever future pregnancy is part of your plan,” adds Dr. Cohen.
Am I a Good Candidate for Submucosal Fibroid Removal in Queens?
You may be a good candidate for fibroid removal when your imaging results and medical history suggest that fibroids are contributing to your symptoms. Indications of fibroids include:
- Anemia
- Abnormal bleeding patterns
- Age
- Medications
Reproductive plans shape your treatment recommendation. For some women, the discussion includes whether a minimally invasive option, such as an office hysteroscopy, is appropriate. An imaging review may show abnormal uterine ultrasound results, revealing how fibroids intrude in your uterus.
Dr. Cohen may examine whether uterine abnormalities affecting fertility contribute to your symptoms. This step is especially important when bleeding, pelvic pain or fertility concerns overlap, and no single finding explains everything.
“Detailed patient information helps me target the right problem, especially for women considering a hysteroscopy for IVF and fertility care or seeking a second opinion for uterine surgery,” he says.
What Types of Fibroid Removal Are Available in Manhattan?
Fibroid removal may involve hysteroscopic, laparoscopic, robotic or abdominal myomectomy, depending on where the fibroids are. Myomectomy removes fibroids while preserving your uterus. It’s different from a hysterectomy, which destroys your ability to conceive in the future.
Your gynecologist selects the treatment option based on whether he can extract the fibroid safely through your cervix, small abdominal incisions or another method. Some procedures are minimally invasive and don’t need incisions. Others require abdominal access for deeper, larger or multiple fibroids. Your options include:
- Hysteroscopic myomectomy for uterine fibroids that can be accessed through your cervix
- Laparoscopic or robotic myomectomy, using small abdominal incisions to remove fibroids in your uterine wall
- Abdominal myomectomy for larger or multiple fibroids requiring open surgical access
- Uterine artery embolization or endometrial ablation, for when removal isn’t an option and you’re not planning a future pregnancy
What Happens During a Fibroid Removal Procedure?
Your fibroid removal procedure begins with a focused review of your history, as other uterine conditions such as endometrial polyps, look similar in imaging. Dr. Cohen reviews prior reports, lab results and current medications before discussing treatment choices. The hysteroscopy technology, equipment and process are explained so you can ask questions beforehand.
The next step confirms the fibroid’s location, accessibility and safest treatment plan. Dr. Cohen reviews your anesthesia and pain management options, including whether you qualify for no-dilation/awake hysteroscopy. If a fibroid is too large, too deep or not safely accessible, you may need a more extensive surgical approach.
Dr. Cohen explains, “During the procedure, I insert a thin hysteroscope through your cervix. Sterile fluid gently opens your uterine cavity so I can clearly see the fibroid. I then use small surgical instruments to remove the fibroid in controlled steps while preserving the surrounding uterine tissue. I may need to stage the procedure if I find multiple fibroids.”
What Does My Recovery After Fibroid Removal Look Like?
Your hysteroscopy recovery depends on the procedure type, as well as the size and location of the fibroids. Many women who have hysteroscopic treatment return to normal activities relatively quickly, while more invasive abdominal procedures need more healing time. Mild cramping, light spotting or temporary fatigue are common after your procedure.
Detailed pre- and post-procedure instructions are provided to support a smooth recovery. These instructions specify bleeding should improve when you can resume activity, sex and medications. Follow-up care tracks your recovery progress. Travel patient info is available for those who live outside the New York City area. Canadian visitors take advantage of the expertise at Hysteroscopy Center of New York.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Fibroids
Does insurance cover fibroid removal?
Insurance may cover part or all of your hysteroscopy cost, depending on your treatment plan, the medical necessity of the procedure and whether the treatment is diagnostic or surgical.
Are there risks to fibroid removal?
Risks may include bleeding, infection, uterine perforation or scar tissue formation, although these are rare with careful planning and imaging guidance. Relying on the experienced gynecologists at Hysteroscopy Center of New York mitigates these potential effects.
What if I have multiple uterine fibroids?
Treatment usually focuses on the fibroids most likely to be causing your symptoms. Smaller fibroids may be monitored or addressed later, if needed.
When Should I Book a Submucosal Fibroid Removal Procedure?
Uterine fibroid removal is worth discussing when they’re confirmed or strongly suspected as the cause of heavy bleeding, anemia, pelvic pressure or difficulty conceiving. For reproductive questions, other uterine abnormalities, such as a uterine septum, can be ruled out before choosing a treatment. Whether you come from a referring physician or seeking care independently, Dr. Cohen creates a plan focused on symptom relief and your fertility goals.
Hysteroscopy Center of New York has three convenient locations. Early evaluation helps clarify whether your symptoms are related to uterine fibroids and how to best resolve the issues. Book your fibroid removal evaluation with Dr. Cohen in Midtown Manhattan today.