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Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths in the uterus that occur in about 25 percent of all women. Although fibroids are not cancerous, they can cause problems due to their size, number, or location. Laparoscopic surgical removal of fibroids is performed through several small incisions instead of one larger abdominal incision.

Laparoscopic surgery uses a thin, telescope-like instrument called a laparoscope, which is inserted through a small incision at the belly button. The laparoscope is connected to a tiny video camera that projects a view of the operative site onto video monitors in the operating room. The abdomen is inflated with carbon dioxide gas to allow the surgeon a better view of the operative area. Two or three additional small incisions are made near the laparoscope through which the surgeon inserts specialized surgical instruments. The surgeon uses these instruments to remove the fibroids from the uterus. The fibroid specimen is completely removed through a slightly enlarged incision in the abdomen. Following the procedure, the small incisions are closed with sutures and covered with surgical tape. After a few months, they are barely visible.

One of the most significant developments in uterine fibroid treatments is also one of the smallest. Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) is giving women an important, minimally invasive treatment option to hysterectomy and other invasive surgeries with less risk and pain.

UFE is performed by Interventional Radiologists, doctors who specialize in targeted, image-guided treatments. By blocking blood flow to the fibroids and causing them to shrink, the procedure is approximately 90% successful at alleviating the heavy bleeding and painful periods often associated with them.