UVM Medical Center Main Campus

Women's Services

 (802) 847-8433

111 Colchester Avenue
Main Campus, Main Pavilion, Level 4
Burlington, VT 05401-1473

Monday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

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802-847-1400

Uterine fibroids are noncancerous (benign) growths on the uterus. They often form during a woman's childbearing years and almost never develop into cancer. At the UVM Medical Center, our team of specialists is trained in the most advanced technology available to diagnose and treat uterine fibroids.

Uterine Fibroid Care at UVM Medical Center

At the UVM Medical Center, we take a patient-centered approach to diagnosing and treating uterine fibroids. When receiving care from us, you can expect:

  • Teamwork - our doctors use a collaborative approach to treating uterine fibroids. When our specialists work together, more accurate diagnosis & treatment is provided to the patient.
  • Advanced Technology - we use the most sophisticated medical technology available, including robotic-assisted surgery.
  • Personalized Care - the UVM Medical Center doctors create a treatment plan that is specifically designed for you, based on the severity of your symptoms.
  • Experienced, Trusted Expertise - our gynecologists have years of experience diagnosing and treating uterine fibroids. You can feel confident knowing that you have placed your care in experienced and skilled hands.

Uterine Fibroid Diagnosis

Many times uterine fibroids do not cause any symptoms. They are typically diagnosed during a pelvic exam or ultrasound for an unrelated reason. If our doctors suspect fibroids, we will recommend testing to confirm their presence. Diagnosing uterine fibroids includes:

  • Physical Examination - a thorough physical exam is generally the first step to diagnosing uterine fibroids. Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and your medical history, then perform a physical examination.
  • Ultrasound - ultrasounds are the most common imaging scan used to diagnose uterine fibroids. An ultrasound can confirm the diagnosis and tell us the size and location of the fibroids. There are two types of ultrasound procedures:
    • Transducer - an ultrasound where the wand is moved over your abdomen
    • Transvaginal - an ultrasound where the device is inserted into the vagina
  • Other Imaging Tests - if the ultrasound is inconclusive, we may order the following specialized imaging tests to help confirm a diagnosis:

Treatments for Uterine Fibroids

Once an accurate diagnosis has been made, our doctors will tailor a treatment plan specifically for you. There are a number of treatment options for fibroids. We always use the least invasive procedure possible. Treatment options for uterine fibroids includes:

  • Watchful Waiting - if you are not experiencing any symptoms, we may recommend watchful waiting. This means we do not use any treatments, but instead monitor you over time for any changes. If the fibroids begin causing you pain or discomfort, we will discuss further treatment options.
  • Medication - medications cannot remove the fibroids, but they can help shrink them and relieve symptoms. Medications include:
    • Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists - a medication that causes your hormone levels to decrease
    • Progestin-releasing intrauterine device (IUD) - this can help to relieve heavy bleeding and pain
  • Surgery - if surgery is recommended to treat uterine fibroids, you may be a candidate for robotic-assisted surgery:
    • Robotic-Assisted Myomectomy - using the most advanced surgical and robotic technology available, our specially trained surgeons perform this delicate operation with unmatched precision and control. The entire procedure is done using only a few small incisions. Robotic-assisted myomectomy is a uterine-preserving alternative to an open abdominal hysterectomy. It is an important option for women wishing to preserve their fertility. Benefits of this procedure include:
      • Opportunity for future pregnancy
      • Less pain
      • Less blood loss
      • Fewer complications
      • Less scarring
      • Shorter hospital stay
      • Faster recovery
    • Robotic-Assisted Uterine Reconstruction - the unique level of control & precision provided with robotic-assisted surgery can also help your surgeon to provide the most precise, thorough uterine reconstruction possible. This helps prevent possible tearing of the uterus during future pregnancies.

Related Documents

Brochure: About Robotic-Assisted Treatment of Uterine Fibroid (Myomectomy) Download PDF

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