Fibroid treatment
Our world-renowned surgeons have performed thousands of fibroid treatments. They’ll take the time to understand your needs, talk you through the options, and answer your questions.
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What is it for?
Surgery to remove fibroids
Treatment overview
Fibroids are benign knots of muscle that affect the uterus. They are not cancerous, but they can grow to be quite large.
They can develop inside the tissues of the uterus or as attachments on the outside wall.
Their growth is generally dependent on a hormone (oestrogen).
Fibroids tend to affect people before the menopause or when taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
Some fibroids do not need treatment. This may mean taking medication to help manage the effects of the fibroid.
These effects should greatly reduce or disappear after the menopause as hormone levels fall.
It is still important to have regular check-ups with your consultant.
You need to be monitored regularly and you might need to be tested for iron-deficiency anaemia if your periods are very heavy.
Here at The London Clinic, we offer various forms of surgery that can help to treat fibroids.
Why choose The London Clinic
Excellence in one place
We operate as teams of experts with world-class resources dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of medical care. You are surrounded by the latest treatments and advice with everything you need to get back to your best health.
Personal care, every time
Exceptional patient care is a way of life for us. Our nurses, clinicians and support teams are dedicated to the care of a very small number of patients, so have more time for you. They’ll be with you every step of the way, tailoring your care around you and giving the peace-of-mind that comes with knowing you’re in the best hands.
Effortlessly simple
We work together as one to guide you through each step of your experience, with complexities unravelled and answers readily to hand. Your personal treatment plan will be laid out for you, with all the details taken care of so you can focus on you.
What's included in your package?
Choosing The London Clinic means your treatment plan will be laid out for you, with all the details taken care of so you can focus on you.
Your treatment package will include:
- Enhanced pre-admission assessment
- Your treatment with our complete care team at your fingertips
- Personalised aftercare and follow-up
We want you to be in control of your health. That’s why we also offer optional services such as comprehensive recovery packages and extra touches for you to choose from during your stay with us.
How to pay
- You can use private medical insurance (PMI) to access this treatment. We work with all major PMI providers in the UK and many internationally
- You can pay for yourself (self-pay)
- If you’re paying for yourself, we have finance options available with Chrysalis
FAQs
The type of surgery you have will depend on the size and position of your fibroids.
Hysteroscopic resection
Removal of fibroids that are on the inner surface of the uterus using a camera (hysteroscope) inserted through the vagina.
Laparoscopic myomectomy
This involves keyhole surgery performed in our minimally invasive therapy centre (MITU) to remove fibroids on the outside of the uterus. No part of the uterus, ovary or fallopian tube is taken away.
Open myomectomy
The same procedure as above but done through a larger incision in the abdomen.
Endometrial ablation
This involves using a laser or a heated wire to remove the entire lining of the uterus and any internal fibroids. It cannot be used for fibroids outside the uterus or those that have developed deep within the muscle.
Fibroids can also be treated by having a hysterectomy. This is generally recommended if you have completed yourfamily and are experiencing very heavy and painful periods due to benign fibroid growths.
We also offer treatments performed using X-ray imaging (interventional radiology) to shrink fibroids.
This can be used to treat large fibroids and involves injecting a chemical into the arteries that supply each fibroid with blood.
This chemical seals up the artery, preventing fresh blood from flowing in.
Over the next few weeks and months, the fibroids gradually shrink.
The benefits you can expect from fibroid treatments depends on your personal circumstances.
Your surgeon will discuss these with you during a consultation. Some patients have fibroids but never realise it because they have no symptoms.
Others may notice one or more of the following signs:
- Dull aching pain in the abdomen, back or legs
- Periods that are heavy and painful
- Constipation
- The need to pass urine more frequently
- Sexual difficulties
Fibroid treatments should help to eliminate these symptoms.
Depending on the type of surgery, you may be able to go home on the day of your surgery.
Some of our patients may need to stay overnight, so we can monitor their recovery.
Your care team will be on hand to give you any medication you might need for pain relief.We recommend that you simply rest as much as possible, avoiding exercise and generally taking it slow.
The exact time it takes you to recover from surgery will depend entirely on you and your body.
We will help you to prepare so you know exactly what to expect afterwards.
Your surgeon will work with other specialists to give you advice on pre-habitation including things you can do before your operation for a head start on recovery.
We’ll help you recover as fully and quickly as possible by having regular follow-ups with you.
If there’s anything you’re worried about, you can contact your care team at any time.
It is not a decision to be taken lightly and it is important to be aware of the possible side effects.
Your surgeon and care team will discuss these with you.
Some side effects or complications can include:
- Pain - our care team will make sure you have everything you need to manage discomfort
- Infection - you may need to take antibiotics after your operation
- Bleeding - a small amount of bleeding may be normal, but if you are concerned then your care team is a phone call away
- A need for further surgery - your surgeon will discuss this with you if necessary
We will make sure you’re well informed about your surgery before you have it.
Here at The London Clinic, we work hard to reduce complications and ensure that you recover fully after surgery.