Is an abdominal hysterectomy absolutely necessary for uterine fibroid tumor?

Brief Answer: Hello, I would be happy to help you... Detailed Answer: First of all, there are three reasons that you need this surgery: 1. Given your age, any abnormal bleeding from your uterus is going to be very difficult to assess given the size of the uterus itself - in terms of ruling out cancerous changes 2. It is causing health problems - anemia 3. It will become more difficult to remove as it gets bigger Second, with regard to some of your questions: 1. Lupron will shrink the size of this fibroid slightly, but it will not be significant in terms of making the surgery easier 2. The main benefit of Lupron would be to stop you from bleeding while your body replenishes blood cells 3. A uterus of that size in a transverse dimension is unsafe to approach laparoscopically The best option for someone like you would be an abdominal approach (i.e. through an incision). While this is becoming a less common approach these days, in your case, it is the safest way to remove your uterus. Anyone claiming that they can get this out laparoscopically is not being entirely honest about the inherent increased risks associated with that approach. Is this what they are recommending?

Brief Answer: Thank you for the followup Detailed Answer: Again, even though I am not able to offer you an opinion based on an actual patient encounter, I would suggest that the laparoscopic approach to a uterus this size is extremely difficult and likely to be associated with a greater chance of complications versus an abdominal hysterectomy. Good luck and please ask if you have any additional questions.

Brief Answer: Thank you again Detailed Answer: Please remember to provide the highest possible rating and visit again - you can start your future questions with "this is for Dr. Raichle".