Uterine fibroids are a common noncancerous health concern in women of childbearing age, often causing symptoms such as longer or heavy menstrual periods, abdominal pain and reproductive problems. While there are several treatment options available, minimally invasive procedures like the Acessa laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation offer an alternative to traditional, more invasive surgery.

What Is the Acessa Procedure for Uterine Fibroids?

The Acessa procedure for fibroids is a minimally invasive treatment for uterine fibroids that uses radiofrequency ablation to shrink fibroids and relieve symptoms. This FDA-approved outpatient procedure is designed to preserve the uterus while helping effectively treat multiple fibroids of different sizes and locations.

During the Acessa fibroid procedure, a surgeon makes small incisions in the abdomen and inserts a tiny camera attached to an ultrasound probe to help locate fibroids. Thin needles are inserted into the fibroids, delivering heat energy to destroy fibroid tissue. The treated fibroids gradually shrink, reducing symptoms over time.

Why Choose the Acessa Procedure for Fibroids?

• Minimally invasive: No large incisions, less scarring
• Quick recovery: Many patients return to work within four days
• Uterus sparing: An alternative to hysterectomy

The Acessa laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation may offer a safe and minimally invasive solution for fibroid-related symptoms, with a low risk of complications and potential healthcare cost savings.

What Are Uterine Fibroids?

Also known as leiomyomas or myomas, uterine fibroids are benign or noncancerous growths that develop from the muscle tissue of the uterus. Their size, shape and location can vary widely and may be found inside the uterus, on its outer surface, within the uterine wall or attached by a stemlike structure. The exact cause of uterine fibroids is unknown, but research suggests they may develop from misplaced cells present before birth. The hormones estrogen and progesterone play a key role in their growth, so uterine fibroids often shrink after menopause when hormone levels decline.

While some women experience no symptoms, uterine fibroids can cause significant discomfort and affect a woman’s daily life, making treatment an essential consideration for those affected. Common symptoms include:

• Heavy or painful periods, sometimes leading to anemia
• Bleeding in between periods
• Pelvic pressure or a feeling of fullness in the lower abdomen
• Frequent urination if fibroids press on the bladder
• Pain during sex
• Lower back pain
• Reproductive issues, including infertility, multiple miscarriages or early labor
• Increased likelihood of cesarean section during pregnancy

Although uterine fibroids can occur at any age, they are most common in women aged 30 to 40. Having a family history of uterine fibroids can increase a person’s risk of developing them.

A routine pelvic exam can help doctors detect, assess and confirm the presence of uterine fibroids, including their size, number and location, through the following diagnostic tests:

• Ultrasound: Uses sound waves to create an image of the uterus and surrounding pelvic organs
• Hysteroscopy: A thin, lighted device (hysteroscope) is inserted through the vagina and cervix to view fibroids inside the uterine cavity
• Hysterosalpingography (HSG): A special X-ray test that detects abnormal changes in the uterus and fallopian tubes
• Sonohysterography: Fluid is introduced into the uterus through the cervix, and ultrasound imaging provides a clearer view of the uterine lining
• Laparoscopy: A small, lighted instrument (laparoscope) is inserted through a tiny incision near the belly button to examine fibroids outside the uterus

In rare cases, advanced imaging tests, such as MRI or CT scans, may be used to monitor fibroid growth over time.

How To Treat Uterine Fibroids?

Women with uterine fibroids who do not have symptoms or are nearing menopause often do not require treatment. However, women with signs and symptoms, such as heavy bleeding, painful periods and infertility, may require treatment. The choice of treatment depends on a patient’s preferences as well as the size and location of the fibroids.

Uterine fibroid treatments include medications and hormone therapy, surgical procedures like myomectomy and hysterectomy and other minimally invasive procedures, such as uterine artery embolization, radiofrequency ablation and MRI-guided ultrasound surgery.

For some women, medications can help manage symptoms associated with uterine fibroids. However, these treatments do not stop fibroid growth. Surgery may still be needed for long-term relief.

Can Uterine Fibroids Be Removed Laparoscopically?

Yes, uterine fibroids can be removed laparoscopically using minimally invasive surgical techniques that require only small incisions through two primary procedures:

• Laparoscopic Myomectomy: This procedure removes fibroids while preserving the uterus, making it suitable for women who wish to have children. However, there is a risk of internal scarring, which may affect fertility. While fibroids do not regrow after removal, new fibroids may develop, sometimes requiring further treatment.
• Laparoscopic Hysterectomy: Removes the uterus entirely in cases where other treatments are ineffective, or fibroids are too large. A hysterectomy eliminates the possibility of fibroid recurrence, but it also ends fertility. The uterus may be taken out in small pieces through tiny incisions or removed whole through the vagina.

Laparoscopic surgery offers benefits, such as more minor scars, less pain and a quicker recovery compared to traditional open surgery.

Find an OB/GYN in Fort Mill

Are you looking for a partner in care in South Carolina? Let us help you navigate your journey to better health. Whether you are a young woman, just starting a family or in a menopausal stage, we are your destination for women’s health services in Fort Mill. Our goal is to help you achieve better health for life and for all seasons. To learn more about our comprehensive gynecologic and obstetric services and vast network of healthcare providers or schedule an appointment, call us at 803-329-1234 or find an OB/GYN here