Advanced Robotic Surgery Removes 26 Uterine Fibroids, Preserving Woman’s Uterus

A 34-year-old woman underwent a rare and advanced robotic surgery to remove 26 fibroids from her uterus while retaining her fertility, at Fortis Hospital, Noida. The patient had been experiencing severe abdominal pain and heavy menstrual bleeding for the past two months and an MRI scan revealed an enlarged uterus measuring 28 cm (significantly larger than the typical 7 cm) with 26 fibroids measuring up to 10 cm each.  

The surgery known as, “Robotic myomectomy” lasted four hours and was led by Dr. Anjana Singh, Head of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Fortis Hospital, Noida. She said, with such an invasive technique the team was able to perform a safe and precise operation to remove the uterine fibroids while reducing postoperative risk and retaining the uterus. 

Uterine fibroids, also known as leiomyomas or myomas are the most prevalent benign uterine tumors, which affect 20% - 40% of women in their reproductive years. There are reports of fibroids just tiny as a stone and as large as a watermelon.^[1][2]

Effects

• Abnormal uterine bleeding leading to anemia (known as menorrhagia or hypomenorrhea)

• Pelvic pressure (caused by enlargement of the uterus)

  - Urinary incontinence or retention, or pain

  - Difficulty with urination

  - Urinary frequency

• Infertility and miscarriage

• Benign metastasizing 

• Malignancy ^[1]

Fibroids rarely arise before menarche and disappear after menopause, there is substantial evidence that estrogens and progestogens promote fibroid growth. While their exact cause is unknown, genetic modifications, lack of Vitamin D, lifestyle, and hormonal imbalances are believed to play a role. ^[2]

In this patient, having such a large number of fibroids is exceptionally rare! To prepare for the operation detailed imaging with MRI and 3D ultrasound was done by the doctors. Also, they boosted the patient’s blood count with iron supplements and kept extra blood reserves on standby. Highlighting the success of the surgery Mohit Singh, Zonal director of the hospital, praised the team's efforts.

Dr. Singh also noted down some of the preventive measures to reduce the risk of developing uterine fibroids:

• Maintaining a healthy weight (Lowers the level of estrogen)

• Exercising regularly 

• Managing stress

• Eating a balanced diet (more fruits and vegetables)

Although some factors like genetics, remain unavoidable.

Six days after the surgery the patient was discharged in a stable condition and has been given new hope to conceive in the future. This also highlighted the transformative potential of modern medical technology coupled with skilled medical expertise in healthcare.

References:

1. "Exploring the Impact of Health on Women: A Comprehensive Review." International Journal of Women's Health. Accessed January 18, 2025. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/epdf/10.2147/IJWH.S51083?needAccess=true.

2. "Recent Advances in Pharmacological Research: A Focus on Novel Therapeutic Strategies." Frontiers in Pharmacology. Accessed January 18, 2025. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2022.1045783/full?trk=organization_guest_main-feed-card_feed-article-content.

(Input from various media sources)

(Rehash/Dr Disha Merlyn Mathias/MSM)