Until recently, the only option in the face of a case of symptomatic uterine fibroids was classical surgery, by laparotomy (incision of the abdominal wall). The acquisitions of medical technology and the pharmaceutical industry in recent years have considerably broadened the range of options and have made it possible, in many cases, to solve the symptoms of uterine fibroids with the preservation of the reproductive and menstrual functions of the uterus.
One of the most modern methods of treatment is represented by laparoscopy. The laparoscopic approach involves the replacement of the classical incision with a series of small incisions, 5-12 mm, through which the operation is performed using special instruments and a video camera to follow on a screen the evolution of the intervention.
Laparoscopy is indicated both if it is aimed at removing a nodule that protrudes outside the uterine wall (laparoscopic myomectomy), and for the entire removal of the uterus (laparoscopic hysterectomy). The uterine artery embolization procedure is just one of the treatments that can help.
Another endoscopic technique useful in the treatment of uterine fibroids is hysteroscopy, a technique that involves interventions performed by means of a cannula inserted in the uterus. Hysteroscopy allows the extraction of fibroid nodules that protrude inside the uterine cavity and which are manifested by abundant bleeding, infertility or recurrent loss of pregnancies.
The advantages of hysteroscopy are important: the abdominal wall is not cut off (with the mentioned above), and the recovery is much faster compared to the classical surgical interventions.
