Comparative Analysis of Minimally Invasive Techniques in the Management of Uterine Fibroids

Abstract

Background: Uterine fibroids are common benign tumors of the uterus, often
leading to symptoms such as abnormal uterine bleeding, pelvic pain, and
infertility. Minimally invasive techniques, including laparoscopic myomectomy
(LM), hysteroscopic myomectomy (HM), and uterine artery embolization
(UAE), have emerged as alternatives to traditional open surgery. This study
aimed to compare the clinical outcomes, recovery, and patient satisfaction
among these techniques.
Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted involving 300 patients
with symptomatic uterine fibroids who underwent LM (n = 100), HM (n =
100), or UAE (n = 100). Outcomes measured included symptom relief,
procedure time, hospital stay, complication rates, and patient satisfaction.
Results: All three techniques significantly improved symptoms, with LM
achieving the highest overall satisfaction (94%). Procedure time was shortest
for HM (mean: 45 minutes), while UAE had the least intraoperative blood loss.
Recovery times were shortest for HM (7 days) and longest for UAE (14 days).
Complication rates were comparable, but UAE had the highest rate of postprocedure pain (22%).
Conclusion: Each technique offers unique advantages, with LM providing
superior symptom relief and UAE being the least invasive option. Procedure
selection should be individualized based on fibroid characteristics, patient
preferences, and fertility goals.