Author
Bowtie Team
Updated on
2025-11-24
What is Uterine Fibroids Surgery?
Uterine fibroids are a common benign tumor that grows inside the uterus, typically made up of smooth muscle and connective tissue. They can cause symptoms like pain and heavy menstrual bleeding, and may even affect pregnancy. Uterine fibroids surgery involves removing these growths through a surgical procedure to ease the associated symptoms. This surgery usually preserves uterine function, but keep in mind, the recurrence rate is around 15% to 27%.
If surgery is needed, your doctor will decide on the approach based on the fibroids’ size, number, and location. Options include traditional open surgery (abdominal incision), laparoscopic surgery, or hysteroscopic surgery.
What Conditions Does Uterine Fibroids Surgery Treat?
Uterine fibroids surgery primarily treats issues caused by these growths, such as heavy bleeding during periods and pain. These symptoms can really disrupt your daily life and might even lead to anemia. Plus, if the fibroids are large, they could press on organs and blood vessels in the pelvic area, causing problems like difficulty urinating, frequent urination, incomplete bladder emptying, back pain, or constipation. In severe cases, this might result in complications like swollen legs, deep vein thrombosis, or even pulmonary embolism.
For women planning to have children, uterine fibroids can increase the risk of C-sections or excessive bleeding after delivery. That’s why surgery can help improve fertility, boost your chances of getting pregnant, and reduce risks like miscarriage, premature birth, or abnormal fetal positioning.
Do Uterine Fibroids Require Surgery?
Whether to go for uterine fibroids surgery should be based on your doctor’s advice and your specific symptoms. Since most fibroids are benign and don’t cause noticeable issues, surgery isn’t always necessary – you might just take medication to reduce heavy bleeding and cramps, and often, they’ll shrink on their own after menopause.
However, if meds aren’t cutting it for severe bleeding or pain, or if the fibroids are large enough to affect your fertility and quality of life, or even pose a cancer risk, then surgery could be a smart move. If you’re done having kids, a full hysterectomy might be considered to prevent them from coming back.
Types and Procedures of Uterine Fibroids Surgery
- Traditional Uterine Fibroids Removal Surgery
This procedure is done under general anesthesia, where the doctor makes a larger incision in the abdomen for direct access. The process involves entering the abdominal cavity, removing the uterine fibroids, inserting a drainage tube if needed to clear out blood and air from the surgical site, and finally stitching up the uterine and skin incisions.
It’s a good fit for larger or multiple fibroids, with the plus of clearing them out thoroughly in one go. On the downside, it means a bigger wound, more pain, a longer recovery time, and a higher risk of complications from open surgery.
- Laparoscopic Uterine Fibroids Removal Surgery
Like the traditional method, this is performed under general anesthesia. The doctor makes a small incision near the navel and 3 to 4 more on the lower abdomen, then uses a laparoscope to operate. The steps include entering the abdominal cavity, removing the fibroids, breaking them into smaller pieces for removal through the small incisions, and closing the wounds.
It’s ideal for smaller or fewer fibroids, offering benefits like smaller incisions, quicker recovery, and less pain. But if there’s a risk of malignancy, it could lead to abdominal infections. Also, since it relies on visuals rather than touch, there might be a chance of missing deeper fibroids.
- Hysteroscopic Uterine Fibroids Removal Surgery
This is best for fibroids located in the uterine cavity and is typically done under general or regional anesthesia. The doctor inserts a hysteroscope through the vagina and cervix into the uterus, then uses tools like an electrocautery device to remove the fibroids and extract the tissue vaginally.
It’s a lower-risk option with fewer complications, and it helps preserve your uterus for future pregnancies. If you’re planning to conceive, we’d recommend waiting at least 6 months post-surgery and opting for a C-section to avoid the risk of uterine rupture.
Risks and Side Effects of Uterine Fibroids Surgery
Uterine fibroid surgery also comes with certain risks and side effects, so before deciding on surgery, you should discuss thoroughly with your attending doctor to fully understand the various risks. The risks and side effects include:
- Anesthesia complications: Problems related to anesthesia may occur during the surgery
- Heavy bleeding: Significant bleeding may occur during surgery, requiring a blood transfusion
- Damage to nearby organs: Nearby organs such as the ovaries, bladder, ureters, and intestines may be damaged
- Hysterectomy: Extremely rare, occurring in about 1-2% of cases, where the uterus may need to be removed
- Incomplete surgery: If it’s adenomyosis or the fibroids are too small or too deep, the surgery may not be completed
- Pelvic infection: Pelvic infection may occur after surgery, potentially affecting fertility
- Wound complications: Including infection, hematoma, flatulence, and hypertrophic scars
- Deep vein thrombosis: Deep vein thrombosis may occur after surgery
- Fibroid recurrence: Uterine fibroids may grow back after surgery
- Uterine rupture risk: Although pregnancy is possible after surgery, there is a risk of uterine rupture
- Cesarean section: A cesarean section may be needed in the future
- Uterine adhesions: The uterine lining may adhere after surgery, affecting fertility
- Infertility: Infertility may result after surgery, though this is rare
Uterine Fibroid Surgery Fees in Public and Private Hospitals
| Hospital | Price |
| Public Hospital Private Clinic | $37,800 – $48,850 |
| Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital | $46,000 – $80,000 (surgeon’s fee only) |
| Gleneagles Hospital Hong Kong | $105,400 – $170,300^ (all-inclusive fixed package) |
| CUHK Medical Centre | $113,100 – $351,600^ (all-inclusive fixed package) |
| Matilda International Hospital | $102,950 – $216,730 # |
- ^ Surgery fees are in the form of all-inclusive fixed-rate medical packages from the hospital, which include all procedure-related costs: doctor’s fees, anesthetist’s fees, ward fees (including meal fees*), necessary and related diagnostic fees (including tests and diagnostic imaging), treatment fees (including emergency care, blood transfusions, etc.), operating room fees (including additional surgery time), nursing procedure fees, medication fees (prescribed by the attending doctor for during hospitalization and upon discharge, or for package-related treatments), equipment and consumables fees, material fees, and implant fees (updated on January 27, 2025).
- # Surgery fees include room and meals (for 1 or 3 nights), specialist doctor fees, nursing services, operating room fees, medications, and wound dressings, but do not include procedures outside the package such as other doctor fees, tests, imaging services, special equipment, treatments, and medications (updated on January 27, 2025).
- * The above surgery fees are updated as of January 27, 2025, for reference only. For detailed actual prices, please inquire with the hospital.
Preparation Before Uterine Fibroid Surgery
Before undergoing uterine fibroid surgery, patients need to go through a series of preparations to ensure the procedure goes smoothly and to minimize the risk of post-surgery complications.
- Personal Hygiene: On the day of surgery, clean your body and hair thoroughly—nurses might even have you use surgical soap on your abdomen to ward off any potential surgical wound infections.
- Surgery Explanation and Consent: Your doctor will explain the reasons for the surgery, the procedure itself, and any possible complications, after which you’ll sign a consent form once you’re all clear.
- Medical History Disclosure: Be sure to inform your doctor and nurses about your full medical history, any past surgeries, recent medications, and any complications from drugs or anesthesia.
- Checks and Tests: If needed, healthcare staff will arrange blood tests, blood typing, ECG, X-rays, ultrasound scans, and pelvic CT scans.
- Hair Removal: If required, shave the hair in the lower body area and around the incision site.
- Fasting: Avoid eating or drinking for 6 to 8 hours before surgery.
- Remove Items: Take off all clothing, including underwear, dentures, jewelry, and contact lenses.
- Empty Bladder: Make sure to empty your bladder before the surgery.
- Enema: If needed, follow your doctor’s instructions for a quick enema to clear out any stool.
Post-Surgery Care and Recovery for Uterine Fibroids
In most cases, general anesthesia can lead to side effects like throat discomfort, nausea, or fatigue—so if you notice things worsening, such as pain or heavy vaginal bleeding, alert your healthcare team right away. Plus, keep these tips in mind post-surgery to help you bounce back smoothly and swiftly.
- Wound Care: Keep the wound dressing clean and dry.
- Gradual Diet Recovery: You’ll need to avoid food and drink for a short time until your bowel movements return to normal. Follow your doctor’s advice to gradually resume a regular diet, starting with easy-to-digest foods.
- Hospital Stay and Observation: Expect to stay in the hospital for a few days after surgery. If all goes well, you can resume normal activities within the day, return to daily routines in 4 to 6 weeks, and slowly ramp up exercise. Getting out of bed early can help reduce bloating, cramps, and shoulder or back pain.
- Avoid Strenuous Activity: Steer clear of intense exercise or heavy lifting for 1 to 2 weeks.
- Medication: Take medications exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
- Vaginal Bleeding: You might experience vaginal bleeding for 1 to 2 weeks after surgery, so avoid using tampons, douching, intercourse, or swimming.
- Emergencies: If you have heavy bleeding, unusual discharge odor, worsening abdominal pain, wound bleeding, chills, or fever, contact your doctor immediately or return to the hospital.
- Follow-Up Appointment: Attend your follow-up appointment on the specified date, time, and location.
When Can You Be Discharged After Uterine Fibroid Surgery?
After completing the surgery, patients can generally be discharged a few days later. Based on information from Gleneagles Hospital Hong Kong :
| Type of Surgery | Hospital Stay Duration |
| Open Uterine Fibroid Removal Surgery | 4 days, 3 nights |
| Laparoscopic Uterine Fibroid Removal Surgery | 3 days, 2 nights |
In summary, patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery typically have fewer days of hospital stay, while open surgery requires more.
Will VHIS Cover Uterine Fibroid Surgery?
All Bowtie VHIS plans cover “Uterine Fibroid Removal Surgery” or “Hysterectomy,” but each plan has different coverage amounts. Among them, Bowtie Pink VHIS Plan offers policyholders up to HK$50 million in lifetime coverage, fully reimbursing the surgery costs related to uterine fibroids!
👉Learn about Bowtie Pink VHIS Plan coverage
Common Questions About Uterine Fibroid Surgery
- How Many Days of Rest Are Needed After Uterine Fibroid Surgery?
For laparoscopic or hysteroscopic surgery, you’ll typically need about 2 weeks to recover, while an open abdominal surgery might take 6 to 8 weeks.
- At What Size Do Uterine Fibroids Require Surgery?
Doctors will recommend surgery based on your specific symptoms and condition. Generally, if the fibroid exceeds 5 cm, surgery might be considered. Plus, if it’s causing issues like irregular periods or anemia, that could tip the scales toward an operation. If it’s smaller than 5 cm and not causing noticeable problems (like heavy bleeding or pressure), regular check-ups or medication might do the trick.
Sources
- 1 “Myomectomy.” Cleveland Clinic, 1 Nov. 2023
- 2 Mayo Clinic. “Myomectomy – Mayo Clinic.” Mayoclinic.org, 2019
- 3 Mingpao Health Net. “The causes of uterine fibroids are unknown? Patients may have excessive menstrual bleeding, frequent urination and other symptoms. Factors to consider before minimally invasive surgery.” Mingpao Health Net, 21 July 2023.
- 4 Union Hospital. Uterine Fibroid Removal Surgery (Open / Laparoscopic / Hysteroscopic). 15 Sept. 2022
- 5 St. Paul’s Hospital. “Information on Medical Procedures – Uterine Fibroid Removal Surgery.” St. Paul’s Hospital, 2022
- 6 Department of Health Family Health Service. “Family Health Service – What is Uterine Fibroid?.” Department of Health, 2024
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