Procedure for Fibroid Surgery in Nigeria and the Cost of Fibroid Surgery in Nigeria
Direct answer: Fibroid treatment in Nigeria may involve observation, medicines, hysteroscopic myomectomy, laparoscopic or open myomectomy, hysterectomy, or selected image-guided procedures. The correct option depends on symptoms, anaemia, fibroid number, size and location, age, fertility goals, previous surgery, and available expertise. Surgery should follow a confirmed diagnosis, informed consent, and an individual safety assessment.
This page explains treatment procedures, preparation, risks, and recovery. For symptoms and diagnosis, start with the uterine fibroid overview. For current quotations, use the separate fibroid surgery cost guide.
When fibroids may not need surgery
Fibroids that cause no symptoms may be monitored. Medicines can help control heavy bleeding or pain, treat anaemia, or temporarily shrink fibroids before an operation. Medication does not suit every patient and some effects are temporary. Ask what the medicine is intended to change and how long it should be used.
When surgery may be considered
- heavy or prolonged bleeding causing anaemia or major disruption;
- persistent pelvic pain, pressure, urinary, or bowel symptoms;
- a large or enlarging uterus or uncertain pelvic mass;
- submucosal fibroids affecting the uterine cavity;
- fertility or pregnancy concerns where fibroids are thought to contribute;
- failure, contraindication, or rejection of other treatments; or
- the patient’s informed preference after discussing alternatives.
Fibroid size alone does not determine the operation. Location, number, symptoms, reproductive plans, and surgeon assessment matter.
Myomectomy: removing fibroids while preserving the uterus
Myomectomy removes one or more fibroids and repairs the uterus. It preserves the possibility of carrying a pregnancy but does not guarantee fertility, pregnancy, or freedom from recurrence.
Hysteroscopic myomectomy
A camera and instruments pass through the vagina and cervix to remove suitable fibroids projecting into the uterine cavity. There is no abdominal incision. It is mainly for selected submucosal fibroids and may require more than one stage when a fibroid is large or deeply embedded.
Laparoscopic myomectomy
Keyhole instruments enter through small abdominal incisions. It may offer less postoperative pain and earlier recovery than open surgery for suitable cases. Suitability depends on fibroid number, size, position, previous operations, surgeon expertise, equipment, and the need to remove tissue safely.
Open abdominal myomectomy
A larger abdominal incision provides access to the uterus. It may be recommended for very large, numerous, deep, or technically complex fibroids. Recovery is longer than after hysteroscopic or laparoscopic surgery, but open surgery can be the safest uterus-preserving option in selected patients.
Hysterectomy
Hysterectomy removes the uterus and permanently prevents uterine fibroids from returning. It also permanently ends the ability to carry a pregnancy. The operation can be vaginal, laparoscopic, or open depending on the uterus, fibroids, previous surgery, other conditions, and available expertise.
Removal of the ovaries is a separate decision. Patients should ask whether the ovaries are expected to remain and under what circumstances the plan might change.
Uterine-artery embolisation and other procedures
Uterine-artery embolisation blocks selected blood vessels supplying fibroids so they shrink. It is performed by an appropriately trained interventional radiology team. It can relieve symptoms for selected patients, but it is not the same as myomectomy and does not suit everyone. Patients who want future pregnancy need careful counselling because fertility and pregnancy considerations differ.
Other options, such as radiofrequency ablation or focused ultrasound, may be available in selected centres. Availability, evidence, cost, future-pregnancy plans, and the chance of additional treatment should be discussed.
Preoperative assessment
Before fibroid surgery, the team may need:
- consultation and examination;
- pregnancy testing when relevant;
- full blood count and correction of significant anaemia;
- pelvic ultrasound and sometimes other imaging;
- blood group and cross-match based on bleeding risk;
- review of medicines, allergies, previous operations, and anaesthetic history;
- assessment of other medical conditions; and
- a discussion of fertility goals, alternatives, risks, and consent.
Do not stop prescribed medicines or take unverified blood-building or herbal products without advice. Some substances can increase bleeding or interact with anaesthesia.
Important surgical risks
Risks differ by procedure and patient. They may include bleeding and transfusion, infection, injury to bladder, bowel, ureter, or blood vessels, blood clots, anaesthetic complications, adhesions, conversion from keyhole to open surgery, need for hysterectomy in an emergency, recurrence after uterus-preserving treatment, and effects on future pregnancy.
The purpose of informed consent is not to frighten patients but to make the decision clear and voluntary. Ask which risks are most relevant in your case and how the hospital prepares for them.
Recovery after fibroid surgery
Recovery depends on the procedure and individual health. Hysteroscopic recovery is generally shorter than laparoscopic recovery, and open abdominal surgery usually requires the longest period. Your discharge instructions should cover:
- pain relief and medicines;
- wound or vaginal-discharge care;
- bathing, diet, walking, lifting, work, driving, and sex;
- prevention of blood clots and constipation;
- the pathology result;
- the follow-up appointment; and
- pregnancy timing if the uterus was repaired.
When to seek urgent help after surgery
Contact the surgical team or seek urgent care for worsening abdominal pain, heavy bleeding, fever, repeated vomiting, fainting, breathlessness, chest pain, a swollen painful leg, difficulty passing urine, pus or spreading redness at a wound, severe weakness, or any warning sign in the discharge plan.
Questions to ask before choosing a procedure
- Which fibroids are causing my symptoms?
- What options are medically reasonable besides surgery?
- Why is this approach recommended?
- Will the operation preserve my uterus and ovaries?
- How could it affect fertility and future pregnancy?
- What might require conversion to open surgery or hysterectomy?
- What blood and emergency arrangements are available?
- Will tissue be sent for histology?
- How long is the expected admission and recovery?
- What is included in the written quotation?
Fibroid surgery assessment at Christian Miracle Hospital
Christian Miracle Hospital in Enugu provides hospital-based assessment for patients considering fibroid treatment or surgery. The proposed procedure depends on consultation, examination, imaging, blood results, anaesthetic assessment, fertility goals, and surgical complexity.
Use the official contact page to confirm current appointment arrangements and what records to bring. See also the guide to choosing a fibroid surgery specialist in Nigeria and the hospital safety checklist.
Frequently asked questions
Is myomectomy the same as hysterectomy?
No. Myomectomy removes fibroids and leaves the uterus; hysterectomy removes the uterus.
Can all myomectomies be done by keyhole surgery?
No. Suitability depends on the fibroids, patient history, surgeon assessment, and available resources.
Can fibroids return after myomectomy?
Yes. New or previously tiny fibroids can grow after uterus-preserving treatment.
Does surgery guarantee pregnancy?
No. Surgery may help selected patients, but fertility depends on age, ovarian function, tubes, sperm factors, other conditions, and the uterus.
How much does fibroid surgery cost?
There is no dependable single national figure. Request a current itemised quotation after assessment and compare the same planned procedure and inclusions.
Medical disclaimer
This guide is general education and does not replace surgical consultation, informed consent, emergency assessment, or personalised postoperative instructions.
