Fibroid treatment

Also known as: uterine leiomyoma surgery, fibroid surgery

Our world-renowned surgeons have performed thousands of fibroid treatments. They’ll take the time to understand your needs, talk you through the options, and answer your questions.

Easy access

Call us today to book an appointment

Fast referral

Get seen and treated within 14 days

What is it for?

Surgery to remove fibroids

Fibroid treatment consultation at The London Clinic

Fibroids are benign knots of muscle that affect the uterus. They are not cancerous, but they can grow to be quite large.

They can develop inside the tissues of the uterus or as attachments on the outside wall.

Their growth is generally dependent on a hormone (oestrogen).

Fibroids tend to affect people before the menopause or when taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

Some fibroids do not need treatment. This may mean taking medication to help manage the effects of the fibroid.

These effects should greatly reduce or disappear after the menopause as hormone levels fall.

It is still important to have regular check-ups with your consultant.

You need to be monitored regularly and you might need to be tested for iron-deficiency anaemia if your periods are very heavy.

Here at The London Clinic, we offer various forms of surgery that can help to treat fibroids.

FAQs

The type of surgery you have will depend on the size and position of your fibroids.

Hysteroscopic resection

Removal of fibroids that are on the inner surface of the uterus using a camera (hysteroscope) inserted through the vagina.

Laparoscopic myomectomy

This involves keyhole surgery performed in our minimally invasive therapy centre (MITU) to remove fibroids on the outside of the uterus. No part of the uterus, ovary or fallopian tube is taken away.

Open myomectomy

The same procedure as above but done through a larger incision in the abdomen.

Endometrial ablation

This involves using a laser or a heated wire to remove the entire lining of the uterus and any internal fibroids. It cannot be used for fibroids outside the uterus or those that have developed deep within the muscle.

Fibroids can also be treated by having a hysterectomy. This is generally recommended if you have completed yourfamily and are experiencing very heavy and painful periods due to benign fibroid growths.

We also offer treatments performed using X-ray imaging (interventional radiology) to shrink fibroids.

This can be used to treat large fibroids and involves injecting a chemical into the arteries that supply each fibroid with blood.

This chemical seals up the artery, preventing fresh blood from flowing in. 

Over the next few weeks and months, the fibroids gradually shrink.

Depending on the type of surgery, you may be able to go home on the day of your surgery. 

Some of our patients may need to stay overnight, so we can monitor their recovery.

Your care team will be on hand to give you any medication you might need for pain relief.We recommend that you simply rest as much as possible, avoiding exercise and generally taking it slow. 

The exact time it takes you to recover from surgery will depend entirely on you and your body.

We will help you to prepare so you know exactly what to expect afterwards. 

Your surgeon will work with other specialists to give you advice on pre-habitation including things you can do before your operation for a head start on recovery.

We’ll help you recover as fully and quickly as possible by having regular follow-ups with you. 

If there’s anything you’re worried about, you can contact your care team at any time.

The benefits you can expect from fibroid treatments depends on your personal circumstances. 

Your surgeon will discuss these with you during a consultation. Some patients have fibroids but never realise it because they have no symptoms. 

Others may notice one or more of the following signs:

  • Dull aching pain in the abdomen, back or legs
  • Periods that are heavy and painful
  • Constipation
  • The need to pass urine more frequently
  • Sexual difficulties

Fibroid treatments should help to eliminate these symptoms.

It is not a decision to be taken lightly and it is important to be aware of the possible side effects. 

Your surgeon and care team will discuss these with you. 

Some side effects or complications can include:

  • Pain – our care team will make sure you have everything you need to manage discomfort
  • Infection – you may need to take antibiotics after your operation
  • Bleeding – a small amount of bleeding may be normal, but if you are concerned then your care team is a phone call away
  • A need for further surgery – your surgeon will discuss this with you if necessary

We will make sure you’re well informed about your surgery before you have it. 

Here at The London Clinic, we work hard to reduce complications and ensure that you recover fully after surgery. 

Image

We offer Fixed Price Packages

Where possible, we’ll provide a fixed-price package for your hospital care. This covers your hospital stay, nursing, and use of our facilities, giving you a clear guide to what those costs will be.
  • Pre-op assessment
  • Hospital stay, nursing care and meals
  • Tests, scans and physio during your stay
  • Take-home medication (up to 5 days)
  • Post-op follow-up appointments
  • Standard equipment or prosthesis (if needed)
  • Unplanned extended stay or ITU (if clinically required)
  • Initial consultation and any tests done during it
  • Consultant and anaesthetist fees (quoted separately)
  • Physio or therapy before or after your stay
  • Diagnostics before admission (unless agreed in your plan)
  • Specialist medication beyond 5 days
  • Ambulance transport or bespoke prosthetics

Your consultant’s fees are quoted separately and shared directly by their office after your consultation. These professional fees cover the time, expertise, and care provided by your consultant before, during, and after your treatment. See our full terms and conditions

Timeline

At The London Clinic, we understand just how daunting it can feel. Here is what you might expect as one of our patients:

Book an appointment ConsultationEnhanced pre-assessmentThe day of your operationAftercareFollow-upTreatment options
Why choose The London Clinic?

Why choose The London Clinic?

Trusted for over 90 years, The London Clinic is an independent charitable hospital that reinvests into care, research, and support for those who can’t easily access private treatment.

The UK’s largest independent hospital

More patients choose The London Clinic than any other.

Top-rated by real patients

4.86/5 from over 1,600 reviews on Doctify and over 4.5 on Google.

Full intensive care on-site

World-class 13-bed ICU for expert support if your care becomes complex.

Investing in clinical excellence

Backed by Northwestern, we equip our teams with cutting-edge medical equipment.

0% Finance Options

We’ve teamed up with Chrysalis to offer you funding options that allow you to spread the cost of your treatment.

If you choose to pay for your treatment at The London Clinic over 12 months, you can make use of a great 0% interest option and pay nothing extra. Or you can choose to pay over two to five years at 14.9% APR.

The_London_Clinic_Eye_Hospital_11_07_24_1047

Trustees of the London Clinic Ltd trading as The London Clinic is an Appointed Representative of Chrysalis Finance Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. The London Clinic is a credit broker, not a lender. The provider of a payment scheme which is not offered through or by Chrysalis Finance Limited may not be so authorised and regulated. Cancer treatments or transplants aren’t covered by finance packages. Finance options are only available for UK patients.