Summary:
The type of surgery recommended for you depends on your scan results, fibroid size and location, your fertility goals, and your overall health, rather than personal preference alone.
If your fibroids are suitable for keyhole surgery, you may recover sooner, but if they are more complex, open surgery may be recommended to allow safer and more complete treatment.
Fibroids are non-cancerous growths that can develop in or around your uterus. You may not always notice them, but when they grow or become symptomatic, they can affect your periods, comfort, and sometimes even your fertility.
If you have been told you have fibroids, you may also be wondering whether surgery is needed and, if so, what type of surgery is suitable for you — laparoscopic myomectomy or open myomectomy.
Keep reading to find out more about fibroid surgery in Singapore and the differences between the two procedures.
When Is Fibroid Surgery Recommended?
For many women, pregnancy after fibroid removal is possible. In some cases, removing fibroids may even improve the chances of conception, particularly if the fibroids were affecting the uterus.
Heavy Bleeding and Pelvic Pressure
You may notice that your periods are heavier or last longer than usual. Sometimes this can leave you feeling tired, dizzy, or low in energy due to blood loss.
You might also feel a constant pressure in your lower abdomen, as though something is sitting heavily in your pelvis. This can sometimes make it uncomfortable to sit for long periods or wear fitted clothing.
Fertility or Pregnancy-Related Concerns
If you are trying to conceive or planning for pregnancy, fibroids may sometimes make things more difficult, depending on where they are located. You might have been told they could affect implantation or increase certain pregnancy risks.
In these situations, surgery may be discussed as a way if fibroids are thought to be contributing to fertility or pregnancy-related concerns.
Fibroids That Continue to Grow or Cause Symptoms
Even if your fibroids were initially being monitored, you may be advised to consider surgery if they continue to grow or your symptoms become more noticeable over time.
If medication or non-surgical options are no longer helping, removing the fibroids may help reduce symptoms in some women.
What Is the Difference Between Laparoscopic and Open Myomectomy?
Both laparoscopic and open myomectomy remove fibroids and aim to preserve your uterus, but they are performed in different ways.
Here are some of the key differences between the two procedures:
| Aspect |
Laparoscopic Myomectomy |
Open Myomectomy |
|
Surgical approach |
Performed through small keyhole incisions using a camera and specialised instruments |
Performed through a single larger incision in the lower abdomen |
|
Scarring |
Smaller, less visible scars |
Larger abdominal scar |
|
Hospital stay |
Usually shorter |
Usually longer |
|
Post-surgery discomfort |
Generally less discomfort after surgery |
May have more discomfort in the early recovery period |
|
Return to light activities |
Often sooner, depending on recovery progress |
Usually takes longer before resuming light activities |
|
Overall recovery time |
Still requires healing, but may be quicker overall |
Longer recovery period due to a larger incision |
|
Suitability |
Often used for smaller or fewer fibroids |
Often used for larger, multiple, or more complex fibroids |
|
Key consideration |
Minimally invasive approach, where suitable |
Allows direct access for more complex surgical cases |
Concerned about fibroids? At Pacific Healthcare Specialist Centre Women’s Clinic, we take a thorough approach to understanding your symptoms and guiding you through your treatment options. Contact us today.
Which Type of Fibroid Surgery May Be More Suitable for You?
When you are weighing up your surgical options, it is not only about the procedure itself. It is also about understanding your condition, how the surgery fits your body’s needs, and what aligns with your future health and lifestyle plans.
Fibroid Characteristics
Your Ultrasound scan or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan gives your gynaecologist a clear picture of your fibroids. You might have one large fibroid or several smaller ones, and their position in your uterus matters just as much as their size.
These details help guide whether keyhole surgery is possible or whether open surgery is safer.
Fertility and Future Pregnancy Plans
If you are hoping to get pregnant in the future, this will play an important role in your treatment plan. Your obstetrician-gynaecologist will consider how best to manage your condition while taking your future pregnancy plans into account..
You may also discuss how surgery could affect your fertility journey and what timing might be ideal for conception afterwards.
Previous Surgical History and Overall Health
One of the concerns after a myomectomy is the risk of uterine rupture during pregnancy or labour. This risk is generally considered uncommon, but varies depending on the extent of surgery and uterine repair.
Recovery Expectations and Lifestyle Considerations
You may also want to consider your work commitments, family responsibilities, and how much time you can set aside for rest and recovery.
If you need to return to daily activities sooner, laparoscopic surgery may be discussed as an option where suitable. However, if your fibroids are more complex, open surgery may still be recommended as the safer approach, even though it typically involves a longer recovery period.
Considering Fibroid Surgery in Singapore?
If you are concerned about fibroid surgery or planning pregnancy after treatment in Singapore, it is normal to feel unsure about the next step.
At Pacific Healthcare Specialist Centre Women’s Clinic in Singapore, our obstetrician-gynaecologist, Dr Nurhidayati Binte Mohamed Suphan, will evaluate your symptoms, medical history and investigation findings before discussing suitable management options.
