Fibroid Removal & Treatment

Uterine fibroids can cause a variety of life-impacting symptoms such as heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding, low energy due to anemia, pain and pressure in the lower abdomen and back, painful intercourse, and frequent urination. Uterine fibroids can also impact pregnancy.

What Exactly are Uterine Fibroids?

Uterine fibroids are benign tumors that can vary in size from walnut-sized to as big as a cantaloupe. Fibroids are a very common condition, with about 70% of women developing them by the age of 50. They can be submucosal and directly impact the lining of the uterus, and they can be intramural (found within the muscle wall of the uterus), subserous (on the outer lining of the uterus), or a mixture of all of the above. Women who have fibroids typically have more than one, and they can develop different types. Fibroids can increase in size and frequency with age, and symptoms can flare up during menstruation.

Symptoms Of Fibroids Types of Fibroids How are Uterine Fibroids Treated? Hysteroscopy da Vinci System Acessa Laparoscopic Fibroid Ablation Why Choose Us?

Modern Women's Health Gynecology & Aesthetics

What are the Symptoms of Fibroids?

Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding
Low energy due to anemia
Pain and pressure in the lower abdomen and back
Headaches
Dizziness
Painful intercourse
Frequent urination
Impacted pregnancy

Types of Fibroids

Intramural fibroids: These are the most common type of fibroids. They develop inside the uterine wall and then expand, which makes the uterus feel bigger than usual. This type of fibroid can cause a heavy menstrual flow, pelvic pain, back pain, pressure, and frequent urination.
Sub-serosal fibroids: These fibroids develop on the outer portion of the uterus and grow outward. While they do not affect the menstrual flow, they can cause pain and pressure.

Pedunculated fibroids: These fibroids grow on a stalk. They can extend to the layer that lines the uterus or protrude outside of the uterus.
Sub-mucosal fibroids: As the least common type of fibroids, these develop just beneath the lining of the uterine cavity. They can cause heavy, prolonged periods.

How are Uterine Fibroids Treated?

When uterine fibroids are creating problems, they can be treated medically and/or surgically. At Modern Women’s Health, Dr. Lisa Jukes uses a variety of different techniques of fibroid removal depending on the specific patient’s needs, as well as the location of the fibroids, their size, the patient’s symptoms and fertility desires, and their age.

Fibroids can be treated medically with Oriahnn™, an oral medication for which Dr. Jukes is an expert, and is currently a speaker for. Oriahnn is a new option for heavy bleeding related to fibroids, and of course, there are other medications used for fibroid-related heavy bleeding.

In some cases, hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) is the best choice if you have finished having children.

Hysteroscopy

In a hysteroscopy, Dr. Jukes uses a small, thin telescope that has a bright light and a camera at the end. This hysteroscope is inserted through the cervix into the uterus to allow Dr. Jukes to find and treat the fibroid(s).

The camera part of the hysteroscope shows images to help guide her. In order to remove the fibroid, a wire loop electrode is used to shave the fibroid.

This surgery is typically performed with the patient under general anesthesia. Hysteroscopy is used to remove submucosal fibroids.

da Vinci Surgical System

The da Vinci® surgical system for laparoscopic myomectomy (fibroid removal) is an advanced surgical technique that allows a surgeon to perform with unparalleled precision using small robotic tools which are operated from a console. This technique can be used to remove uterine fibroids. The da Vinci surgical system is minimally invasive and only uses small incisions, which results in less blood loss, pain, and scarring, as well as a quicker recovery. Dr. Jukes is considered a leader among gynecologists in the field of da Vinci robotic surgery. An open myomectomy (in which a large incision is made in the lower abdomen) is also an option for treating uterine fibroids.

Acessa Laparoscopic Fibroid Ablation

Acessa™ laparoscopic fibroid ablation removes fibroids by applying energy through a small array needle (a collection of microneedles). Using a process called radiofrequency ablation, each fibroid is destroyed with controlled radiofrequency energy. Two incisions will be created — so small that they are referred to as “Band-Aid incisions” — and two laparoscopic ports will be placed using these incisions. One port is for the light and camera, while the other is for the ultrasound instrument, which helps to guide Dr. Jukes. General anesthesia is used, but this is an outpatient surgery with about 3-4 days of recovery. Uterine fibroid ablation by radiologists may also be an option. Dr. Jukes was the first to perform the Acessa procedure in central Texas.

Uterine Fibroid Embolization

Another procedure called “uterine fibroid embolization” is performed by an interventional radiologist. Polyvinyl particles are inserted via the groin into the vessels that supply the fibroid to block the blood supply reducing the size of the fibroid.

Why Choose Modern Women’s Health?

The mission of Modern Women’s Health is to provide comprehensive health, wellness, and aesthetic services for women — all under one roof.

We provide a compassionate, confidential, and comfortable atmosphere and take a 360-degree approach to treating patients. This means that patients of any age, from adolescence to menopause, can have their gynecological, wellness, and cosmetic needs met when they choose to work with us.

Founder Dr. Lisa Jukes is a board-certified gynecologist who stays on the cutting edge of advancements within the industry, leading an always-evolving practice. We have female providers for female needs at our sophisticated, modern clinic.