The Borealis LIFE Approach to Uterine Fibroids
What are Uterine Fibroids?
Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths made of muscle and connective tissue that develop in or around the uterus. They are very common and can cause a variety of symptoms.
Historically, treatment options for fibroids were more limited. Many patients were offered hormonal treatments such as birth control pills or a progesterone IUD, followed by hysterectomy if those treatments weren't successful. While those options may still be appropriate for some patients, advances in fibroid treatment mean there are more choices available today.
At Borealis LIFE, we're committed to helping each patient understand those options and developing a treatment plan based on their symptoms, the size and location of their fibroids, their health history, and their individual goals.
Fibroid Symptoms:
pelvic pain
painful periods
heavy uterine bleeding
pelvic pressure
frequent urination
urination at night
The Borealis LIFE Approach to Uterine Fibroids:
We take the time to understand your history, your symptoms, how they're affecting your life, and what matters to you. Fertility goals, interest in medical versus surgical treatment, recovery time, and your individual priorities all play a role in determining which options make sense.
Simply put, we believe you. Your care plan should reflect your life and your goals, not just what shows up on an ultrasound.
The next step is to get a pelvic ultrasound to better determine the size and specific location of your fibroids. We work with Advanced Sonograms of Alaska to incorporate the FIGO Classification System into pelvic ultrasounds performed for our patients. This system describes fibroids based on their location in relation to the uterine lining, which can help determine which treatment options may be appropriate.
At Borealis LIFE, we believe this information is an important part of understanding the options available to each patient.
| Fibroid Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Type 0 | Pedunculated, intracavitary |
| Type 1 | Submucosal, <50% intramural |
| Type 2 | Submucosal, ≥50% intramural |
| Type 3 | Contact with endometrium, 100% intramural |
| Type 4 | Intramural |
| Type 5 | Subserosal, ≥50% intramural |
| Type 6 | Subserosal, <50% intramural |
| Type 7 | Subserosal, pedunculated |
| Type 8 | Other (e.g., cervical, parasitic) |
Medication Options
Newer medications, including a class known as GnRH antagonists, may be an option for some patients with fibroids. These medications can help manage symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding but aren't appropriate for everyone.
Your physician can discuss the potential benefits, risks, length of treatment, and whether medication may be appropriate based on your health history and treatment goals.
Robotic and Laparoscopic Surgery
Minimally invasive laparoscopic and robotic techniques allow surgeons to perform many gynecologic procedures through small incisions rather than a traditional open abdominal approach.
For fibroid care, these techniques may be used for procedures such as myomectomy, which removes fibroids while preserving the uterus, or hysterectomy when that is the appropriate treatment choice.
Dr. Matthew Lindemann and Dr. Shiloh Small have both earned a Focused Practice Designation in Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery (MIGS) from the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG). Their advanced surgical training gives patients access to minimally invasive options when appropriate for their symptoms, anatomy, health history, and goals.
Acessa
Acessa is a minimally invasive treatment option that uses radiofrequency energy to treat certain uterine fibroids. The procedure is performed laparoscopically through small incisions and may offer a shorter recovery than more invasive surgical approaches.
Dr. Lindemann is trained in the Acessa procedure and can help determine whether it may be appropriate based on the type and location of the fibroids and the patient's individual goals.
Hysteroscopic Treatment for Fibroids
Some fibroids that grow into the uterine cavity can be treated hysteroscopically. During hysteroscopy, a thin scope is passed through the cervix into the uterus, allowing the physician to see inside the uterine cavity and, when appropriate, remove fibroids or polyps without abdominal incisions.
Hysteroscopic myomectomy can be particularly useful for certain submucosal fibroids, including Type 0, Type 1, and some Type 2 fibroids.
Whether hysteroscopy is appropriate depends on the fibroid's size, location, and how deeply it extends into the uterine wall. Your Borealis LIFE physician can review your imaging, symptoms, and goals to determine which options make sense for you.
Not sure which option is right for you?
Fibroid treatment depends on your symptoms, fibroid size and location, health history, and personal goals. Our team can help you understand the options available to you.
What to Expect at Borealis LIFE
Fibroid care isn't limited to one treatment or one physician at Borealis LIFE. Our team includes Dr. Matthew Lindemann, Dr. Shiloh Small, and Dr. Patricia Capo, who care for patients experiencing fibroids, abnormal bleeding, pelvic pain, endometriosis, and other complex gynecologic concerns.
Your care starts with understanding your symptoms, medical history, imaging, and what matters to you. From there, your physician will talk through the options that may be appropriate for your individual situation.
Treatment may include medication, minimally invasive procedures, surgery, or a combination of approaches. The goal isn't to fit every patient into the same treatment plan. It's to help you understand your options and make decisions about your care alongside your physician.
