Pros and cons of interventional surgery for uterine fibroids

The pros and cons of interventional surgery for uterine fibroids need to be evaluated based on the patient's specific situation. In most cases, interventional surgery is less invasive and has faster recovery, but there may be a risk of recurrence. Interventional surgeries for uterine fibroids mainly include uterine artery embolization and high-intensity focused ultrasound ablation.

The advantage of interventional surgery for uterine fibroids is that it is minimally invasive. It only requires local anesthesia or intravenous anesthesia, and the catheter or ultrasound energy is precisely applied to the lesion. Daily activities can be resumed 1-3 days after the operation. This surgery can preserve the integrity of the uterus and avoid the scars and organ removal risks of laparotomy. It is especially suitable for women who want to have children. Intraoperative blood loss is usually controlled at 20-50 ml, which is much lower than the 200-300 ml of traditional surgery. The probability of postoperative complications is low, and common minor reactions such as low-grade fever and abdominal pain usually resolve spontaneously within a week. For fibroids with a diameter of 3-8 cm, the short-term effectiveness of interventional surgery can reach a high level.

The limitations of interventional surgery include a 10-20% chance of recurrence within 3-5 years after surgery, especially for those with multiple fibroids or abnormal hormone levels. Some patients may experience temporary decrease in ovarian function, manifested by decreased menstrual flow for 3-6 months. About 5-10% of cases have poor efficacy due to the special location of the fibroids or complex blood supply and require secondary intervention. After surgery, 3-6 months of auxiliary drug treatment is required, such as gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues. Patients with special constitutions may have allergic reactions to embolization materials or contrast media.

Gynecological ultrasound review should be performed regularly after surgery. It is recommended to check once every 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months after surgery. Keep the perineum clean and avoid bathing and sex for 6 weeks. Pay attention to supplementing high-quality protein and iron in your diet. You can eat lean meat, animal liver and dark vegetables in moderation. If you have persistent fever or severe abdominal pain, you need to seek medical attention promptly. The duration of contraception after interventional surgery requires consultation with the attending physician based on the specific surgical procedure. It is usually recommended to wait 6-12 months before considering pregnancy.