Whether or not uterine fibroids should be operated on depends on multiple factors. The following is a detailed analysis and summary of the surgical indications for uterine fibroids:
Surgical indications:
Symptomatic uterine fibroids: When uterine fibroids cause heavy menstrual flow and long menstrual periods, which in turn cause secondary anemia, or even serious symptoms such as anemic heart disease, surgical resection should be considered.
Myoma compresses pelvic organs: If myoma compresses pelvic organs, such as the bladder and rectum, and symptoms such as urgency, frequent urination, and rectal irritation occur, it should be determined whether surgery is needed based on the specific symptoms.
Suspected malignant transformation of myoma: Although the probability of malignant transformation of myoma is very small, once suspected, it should be closely observed and surgery should be performed if necessary.
Subserosal myoma pedicle torsion: When myoma pedicle torsion occurs, it usually manifests as acute lower abdominal pain, and surgery should be performed in time.
Myoma causes infertility: If myoma compresses the entrance of the fallopian tube or affects endometrial hyperplasia, leading to infertility or miscarriage, surgical resection should be considered.
Large fibroids: When the diameter of a single fibroid reaches more than 5 cm, or the fibroids cause the uterus to enlarge beyond the size of the uterus at 10 weeks of pregnancy, surgery can be considered.
Surgical methods:
Traditional surgery: hysterectomy or uterine fibroid removal through laparotomy. This method has large incisions, slow recovery, and long hospitalization time, but the removal is thorough.
Hysteroscopic minimally invasive: micro-instruments are inserted into the abdominal cavity to remove the diseased part of the tumor with a very small incision. This method has small incisions, fast recovery, and short hospitalization time.
Non-invasive intervention: Ultrasound is used to focus on a specific target area, so that the focal area reaches an instantaneous high temperature and destroys the lesion area. This method is non-invasive and has a fast recovery, but it may not be suitable for all types of fibroids.
Surgical risks:
Although the surgical technology for uterine fibroids is very mature, there are still certain risks, such as anesthesia accidents, hemorrhagic shock, collateral injuries (such as intestinal, bladder, and ureteral injuries), and infections.
Non-surgical treatment:
For patients with mild symptoms or small fibroids, non-surgical treatments such as diet adjustment, Chinese medicine treatment, acupuncture, and medication can be considered. These methods can help relieve symptoms, but they cannot completely eliminate fibroids.
In summary, whether uterine fibroids should be operated on depends on the patient's specific situation and symptoms. If the fibroids cause severe symptoms or are large in size, surgery is usually necessary. However, for patients with mild symptoms or small fibroids, non-surgical treatment may be a better choice. In any case, decisions should be made under the guidance of a doctor.