Fibroids are non-cancerous growths that can develop in or around your uterus. They are made of muscles and fibrous tissues and can vary in size from as small as a pea to as large as a melon. In fact, many women can develop fibroids at some point in their lives without even knowing about it. This is because fibroids do not always show symptoms in your body.
However, you can experience some symptoms of fibroids. Some symptoms include heavy menstrual bleeding, prolonged periods, pelvic pain, and frequent urination. Now, despite these issues, fibroids are generally not life-threatening. However, fibroid removal surgery will also help you get rid of these symptoms. Hence, you have the option to undergo two of the most commonly used surgeries for fibroid removal. They are open myomectomy and laparoscopic myomectomy. However, laparoscopic surgery is the better option. But why? Let’s find out.
Understanding Laparoscopic Myomectomy
Laparoscopic myomectomy is a surgical procedure that helps to remove fibroids from your uterus. In a laparoscopic myomectomy, the surgeon makes small cuts in your abdomen. Then, he uses a small camera and some special instruments to remove fibroids from your uterus. The best part is that this method is the least invasive and does not require large incisions.
The traditional open surgery involves making a large cut in your abdomen. Hence, it will take a long time to heal. In contrast, only small incisions are made in laparoscopic myomectomy. So it is less painful, and you can recover very quickly. You can go home the same day or after a short hospital stay.
Cost of Laparoscopic Myomectomy Surgery
An average fibroid removal surgery involving laparoscopy can cost you around Rs.87,000. But, this cost can become more than a lakh based on the hospital and the location that you choose.
A laparoscopic myomectomy can cost you more than an open fibroid operation. However, the advantages of a laparoscopic myomectomy make it a better option. Besides, this cost will also depend on several other factors, so let us look at some.
Factors Influencing Laparoscopic Fibroid Operation Cost
Factors like the location of the hospital and the resting period can influence the cost of a fibroid operation. So, let’s look at some factors that affect the cost of fibroid removal surgery.
1) Hospital and Surgeon Fees
The cost of the operation largely depends on the hospital and the surgeon’s fees. Well-known hospitals with advanced facilities and experienced surgeons typically charge more. The reputation and expertise of the surgeon also play a significant role in the overall cost.
2) Location of the Hospital
The location of the hospital can affect the cost. Hospitals in metropolitan cities or major urban centers often charge higher than those in smaller towns or rural areas. This is due to the higher living and operating expenses in big cities.
3) Pre-Surgery Tests and Consultations
Before the surgery, various tests, such as blood tests, imaging scans, and consultations, are required to ensure the patient’s suitability for the procedure. These pre-surgery assessments add to the total cost.
4) Type and Number of Fibroids
The complexity of the surgery, which depends on the type and number of fibroids, influences the cost. Removing multiple or larger fibroids may require more time and expertise, increasing the overall expense.
5) Duration of Hospital Stay
The length of your hospital stay post-surgery affects the cost. Although laparoscopic myomectomy usually allows for a shorter stay compared to open surgery, the exact duration depends on individual recovery rates and any potential complications.
6) Post-Surgery Care
Post-surgery care, including follow-up visits, additional treatments, and any physical therapy required for recovery, can influence the overall cost. Proper post-operative care is essential for a smooth recovery and can add to the financial burden.
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Laparoscopic Myomectomy Vs Open Myomectomy Surgery
As you learned above, two main types of surgery are commonly used for removing fibroids. These two surgeries are laparoscopic myomectomy and open myomectomy. Both have advantages and considerations, but laparoscopy is better than open surgery. But why? Let’s find out how by comparing the advantages and considerations of both.
Advantages of Laparoscopic Myomectomy
- Smaller Incisions
In laparoscopy, the cuts made for myomectomy are much smaller. This means it will leave fewer scars on the surface and may completely vanish with the right care.
- Quicker Recovery
Since the surgery is less invasive, patients usually recover faster. It takes a few days to recover from the surgery incisions.
- Less Pain
With smaller incisions, the patient receives very little pain. It is because the surgery is done in a controlled environment, and even after the effect of anesthesia ends, the feeling of pain remains minimal
- Shorter Hospital Stay
As you learned in the above point, the recovery time is less than that of open surgery; it also constitutes a shorter hospital stay after surgery. Sometimes, you may also opt for bed rest at home and leave the hospital on the same day as surgery.
Considerations in Laparoscopic Myomectomy
- Complexity
It is undoubtedly an advanced method, requiring a highly skilled surgeon with experience in laparoscopic techniques.
- Not for Everyone
It may not be suitable for very large fibroids or if there are many fibroids to remove. In such cases, it becomes very complex to go ahead with laparoscopy.
Advantages of Open Myomectomy
- Versatility
Compared to laparoscopy, open surgery can remove larger or multiple fibroids. It is difficult to handle with laparoscopy.
- Direct Access
In an open myomectomy, the surgeon has a clear and direct view of the uterus and fibroids. It is helpful in complex cases where remote handling is not possible.
Considerations in Open Myomectomy
- Larger Incisions
The incisions in case of open surgery are bigger as the surgeon has to access the location. It results in bigger scars that may not vanish over time.
- Longer Recovery
Due to larger incisions, patients typically need more time to recover, often 4-6 weeks.
- More Pain
The larger incision can lead to post-operative pain. As the effect of anesthesia goes away, the patient mostly feels more pain than in laparoscopic surgery.
- Longer Hospital Stay
The post-operative hospital stays are longer, and the doctor may not recommend leaving the hospital longer.
Which is Better?
The best choice depends on several factors, including the size, number, and location of the fibroids, as well as your overall health and personal preferences.
However, if we look at how laparoscopy has more benefits and fewer considerations, it turns out to be a better option. It leaves fewer scars, heals faster, and is preferable in most cases. So, it would help if you went with laparoscopy until the doctor suggests open surgery. Yes, the doctor may suggest you open surgery if the fibroid is bigger or present at multiple places.
Wrapping Up
To sum up, laparoscopy for fibroid removal is one of the best ways to deal with it. Suppose your situation is favorable to getting treated through laparoscopy. In that case, you should go with laparoscopy as the other factors, like a shorter postoperative hospital stay, make it an economical open compared to open surgery. Moreover, the risk and pain in laparoscopic myomectomy are also less, which is good for the patient, along with the small scars, which may heal as time flies.
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