Fibroid Treatment Options in Atlanta
What are Non-Invasive Treatments for Fibroids?
Diagnosis and Watchful Waiting
Fibroids are benign tumors that grow in the uterus or womb. They are usually diagnosed during a pelvic examination by your gynecologist or with a pelvic ultrasound. If your fibroids do not cause symptoms there is no need to treat them. Dr. Lowman may monitor them annually for growth.
Hormone Treatment
Medications for uterine fibroids target hormones that regulate your menstrual cycle, treating symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding and pelvic pressure. They don’t eliminate fibroids, but may shrink them. The side effects of using these medications are similar to the symptoms experienced as a result of hormonal changes during and after menopause. These include weight gain, hot flashes, vaginal dryness, mood swings, changes in metabolism and infertility. In almost all cases, once hormone therapy has been stopped, fibroids tend to grow back, possibly reaching their original size again. This often occurs if the use of hormone therapy is not accompanied by another treatment.
Office Procedures
Endometrial Ablation
A procedure called endometrial ablation destroys the endometrium – the lining of your uterus – with the goal of reducing your menstrual flow. In some women, menstrual flow may stop completely. No incisions are needed for endometrial ablation. Dr. Lowman inserts slender tools through your cervix — the passageway between your vagina and your uterus. The tools vary, depending on the method used to destroy the endometrium. Some types of endometrial ablation use extreme cold, while other methods depend on heated fluids, microwave energy or high-energy radio frequencies. Endometrial ablation takes less than 5 minutes and is 85% effective at decreasing abnormal uterine bleeding.
Hysteroscopic Myomectomy
In this procedure a long, thin scope with a light is passed through the vagina and cervix into the uterus. No incision is needed. A camera also can be used with the scope. Submucosal or intracavitary fibroids are easily visualized and can be resected or removed.
Surgical Treatments
ACESSA®(Radiofrequency Ablation for Fibroids)
Acessa® utilizes a technology called radiofrequency ablation, and treats each fibroid by applying energy through a small needle. The surrounding normal uterine tissue is not damaged or otherwise affected. Over time, the treated fibroid tissue shrinks which relieves symptoms like heavy vaginal bleeding and pain. Acessa® is performed under general anesthesia in an outpatient visit, and only two very small (approximately 1/4”) abdominal incisions are needed during the procedure – there is no cutting, suturing or removal of the uterus itself, and women go home the same day.
Total Vaginal Hysterectomy
Total vaginal hysterectomy (“Incision-less hysterectomy”) is a procedure that removes the uterus and cervix through the vagina. There are no visible incisions or scars. You are able to go home the same day, recuperation is quick and you experience minimal pain. Vaginal hysterectomy is the safest and least invasive way to perform hysterectomy. It is recommended by the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology whenever feasible.
Robotic-Assisted Myomectomy
In this procedure, four standard, quarter-inch incisions are made and ports are inserted for the robot’s camera and instrument arms. The surgeon first injects medication into the fibroids to decrease overall bleeding, and then makes an incision in the uterus. The surgeon then removes the fibroid(s) from the surrounding uterine tissue. Patients typically go home the same day of the procedure and most patients are able to resume normal activities within two weeks.
Abdominal Myomectomy
In this operation your surgeon enters the pelvic cavity through a bikini-cut incision. This incision follows your natural skin lines so it usually results in a thinner more attractive scar and causes less pain. You are able to go home the same day and recuperation is quick with minimal pain.
Abdominal Hysterectomy
Schedule a Fibroid Consultation in Atlanta, GA
If you are experiencing fibroid symptoms in Atlanta, GA, it's time to explore your treatment options. Dr. Lowman can provide the care you need. Don't wait to take charge of your health – call (404) 963-1544 today to schedule a consultation and learn more about your fibroid treatment options.