Is it possible that I could wake up from surgery with a hysterectomy?

March 19, 2002

Just came back form seeing the OBGYN surgeon. I was diagnosed with a fibroid which fills the entire uterine cavity. He is to call me next week with the operative date. My question to you is this: Is it possible that I could wake up from surgery with a hysterectomy. This is my greatest fear. I am 32 and will be married next summer and plan to get pregnant very soon there after. Is it possible that once the surgeon gets inside he would just decide to remove the uterus??? Please advise.
Sincerely Carmela

Dear Cbrienza-
There is always that chance with a traditional myomectomy…and especially with a tumor your size.
Prior to your surgery…I would recommend you ask your doctor about this and tell him/her that you will NOT sign a consent for a “possible hysterectomy”. At that time, you should be able to get a good idea of his/her intentions.Many physicians will refuse to do a procedure like this without that coverage.
If they refuse to perform the procedure….give us a call. I know we can remove your tumor safely without a hysterectomy consent.

Hi my name is Penpen,
I’m writing because I’m stressed because of the news I recived on 12/10/02. The news being that I have a tumor in the uterius abou the size of a large grapefruit. I have no pain other than when my period is on. I do pass large clots sometimes. I am 43 and I’m afraid of being cut. My Dr. isn’t pressing me about surgery, He say’s if it’s not broken don’t fix it. What I need to know is that will that thing grow and cause me some serious problems. Please help.

Dear Penpen-
I disagree with your doctor…this is the old “wait and see” philosophy. Your tumor will only continue to grow …these tumors are estrogen dependent and get larger with every menstrual cycle. Pain is rare with fibroids…but eventually the tumor may press on other organs like bowel and bladder and begin to produce other symptoms. The longer you wait for surgery..the greater chance for a hysterectomy with traditional medicine.
Many doctors recommend waiting until menopause when the tumors often shrink, slightly. The problem with this direction is most women take some form of hormone replacement therapy..this will again start the tumor growing…necessitating surgery at an older age, which is harder on the patient.
Fibroids are a surgical condition…it is best to remove them asap before they produce problems.