Uterine Fibroid Removal: What Recovery Actually Looks Like

Uterine fibroids are incredibly common, affecting as many as 80% of women at some point in their reproductive lives. Fibroids are benign (noncancerous). However, they can cause serious problems. 

Surgical removal is a standard treatment option. Timothy Phelan, MD, has extensive experience with these surgical procedures and has helped many people at Creekside OB/GYN of Folsom find lasting relief from fibroid symptoms. 

If you’re wondering what to expect from the recovery process, we’re here to offer an overview so you know what to expect. 

Not all surgical techniques are the same

In some cases, Dr. Phelan can access the fibroid(s) through your vagina and complete all of the necessary tissue alterations without any external incisions. With this approach, the fibroid tissue is removed through your vaginal canal. 

Minimally invasive surgery is another option and a good fit for cases in which the fibroid(s) cannot be easily removed through the vaginal opening. 

This approach uses several small incisions to position a lighted surgical telescope into your abdomen, as well as slim surgical tools used to remove the fibroid(s). 

An open surgical procedure might be the only way to effectively and safely remove one or more uterine fibroids. This option requires a larger abdominal incision to gain access to the uterus and remove large or multiple fibroids. 

Recovery from vaginal uterine fibroid removal is usually simple

The easiest recovery path is when Dr. Phelan does not need to make any abdominal incisions to access and remove the fibroid(s). That makes sense because less tissue is disrupted, and there are no external sutures necessary. 

You’ll most likely return home the same day. You’ll need to take it easy and give your body a chance to adjust, but you’ll be back to your normal routines almost immediately. 

Some minimal bleeding is possible in the hours after your procedure, and you should be able to control any discomfort with over-the-counter pain medications.

Minimally invasive (laparoscopic) surgery offers a swift recovery

This approach requires one or more abdominal incisions, but tissue disruption is kept to a minimum. Most laparoscopic fibroid removal surgeries are done as outpatient procedures, allowing you to return home afterward to begin recovering. 

Be prepared to give your body a few days to adapt after your procedure. If Dr. Phelan used sutures to close the incisions, you’ll need to return to the office for a follow-up visit to have them removed. 

Many women can manage their recovery discomfort with over-the-counter pain medications, but prescription options are also available if necessary. 

Open surgery has the most involved recovery process

It should come as no surprise that an open surgical procedure will have a more difficult recovery process. That’s because a significant amount of tissue must be altered to access the uterus and remove one or more fibroids. 

You’ll have a line of sutures or staples along your incision. You might need to stay overnight after your procedure, and it will take several weeks for the incision to fully heal. 

During that time, your activities will be limited to avoid placing undue strain on your incision or abdominal structures. You’ll need someone to help out with household tasks, and you might want help caring for the incision at home.  

Things you can do to ease the recovery process

There are steps you can take to ease your recovery, no matter what type of surgery is planned. 

It’s important to have blood testing to determine if heavy bleeding related to your fibroids has caused anemia. If so, Dr. Phelan might advise you to take steps to build your blood back up before surgery. 

If you smoke, finding a way to quit the habit before surgery can enhance your recovery process. Smoking damages your circulation, which plays a critical role in the healing process. 

The single most impactful thing you can do to ease recovery is follow all post-procedure advice Dr. Phelan provides. 

Don’t overtax your body as you recover, and increase your activity levels gradually. You’ll need to refrain from any form of vaginal penetration for six weeks after your procedure, including using tampons. 

If you have additional questions or concerns about the recovery process, we’re here to provide more information. Just reach out online or over the phone to book a consultation.