If you’ve been diagnosed with uterine fibroids and are experiencing symptoms like heavy periods, pelvic pressure, or difficulty conceiving, expert care can make all the difference. Dr Kent Kuswanto is a Melbourne-based gynaecologist and robotic surgeon with extensive experience in managing fibroids through both conservative and surgical approaches-including advanced keyhole and robotic myomectomy.
What Are Uterine Fibroids?
Fibroids are benign (non-cancerous) growths of the muscle tissue in the uterus. They vary in size-from a few millimetres to large, bulky masses – and are extremely common, affecting up to 40% of women by the age of 50. While most fibroids are harmless, some can lead to troubling symptoms that impact daily life and fertility.
If you’re seeking expert care and advice from a myomectomy surgeon in Melbourne, please call us.
Common Symptoms of Fibroids
- Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding (with or without clots)
- Pelvic or lower abdominal pressure or bloating
- Frequent urination or constipation
- Pain during intercourse
- Fertility issues or pregnancy complications
Many women with fibroids have no symptoms at all and discover them incidentally during imaging.
Types of Fibroids
Fibroids are classified based on their location in the uterus:
- Submucosal fibroids – grow just beneath the internal lining of the uterus and may affect fertility or cause heavy periods
- Intramural fibroids – grow within the uterine wall and may enlarge or distort the uterus
- Subserosal fibroids – grow on the outer surface of the uterus and may press on surrounding organs
- Pedunculated fibroids – connected to the uterus by a stalk and can cause intermittent pain if twisted
How Are Fibroids Diagnosed?
Fibroids are diagnosed through:
- Pelvic ultrasound – usually the first-line imaging
- MRI – used for complex cases or when surgical planning is needed
- Gynaecological exam – may reveal an enlarged or irregular uterus
Do All Fibroids Require Treatment?
No. Many fibroids don’t require treatment. Dr Kuswanto may recommend a watch-and-monitor approach if fibroids are:
- Small and symptom-free
- Found incidentally on a scan
- Not interfering with fertility or quality of life
However, if fibroids are causing symptoms or growing rapidly, treatment is recommended.
Treatment Options for Fibroids
Non-Surgical Treatments
| Treatment | Purpose | Notes |
| Tranexamic acid or Mefenamic acid (Ponstan) | Reduce menstrual bleeding | Ideal for mild symptoms |
| Hormonal therapy (combined or progesterone only pills) | Control bleeding and regulate cycles | May not address pressure or size |
| GnRH analogues | Temporarily shrink fibroids | Causes menopausal symptoms; short-term use only |
These options may provide temporary relief but do not eliminate the fibroids.
Minimally Invasive Radiological Treatments
- Uterine artery embolisation (UAE)
- MRI-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS)
Suitable for selected patients, but not recommended for those wishing to maintain fertility.
Surgical Options
Myomectomy (Fibroid Removal)
Myomectomy involves removing fibroids while preserving the uterus. Dr Kuswanto performs:
- Hysteroscopic myomectomy – for submucosal fibroids via the cervix
- Robotic myomectomy – for intramural or subserosal fibroids via small incisions
- Open myomectomy (laparotomy) – for very large or multiple fibroids
Learn more about our robotic gynaecological surgery capabilities.
Hysterectomy (Uterus Removal)
Hysterectomy may be recommended when:
- Fertility is no longer desired
- Fibroids are very large or recurrent
- A definitive solution is preferred
Importantly, the ovaries are usually preserved, meaning menopause does not occur as a result of surgery.
Fibroid Removal Through Keyhole Surgery
Dr Kuswanto uses advanced keyhole techniques to safely remove fibroids with minimal recovery time. After the fibroid is excised:
- It is placed in a special containment bag inside the abdomen
- The fibroid is morcellated (cut into smaller pieces) within the bag
- This minimises the risk of tissue spread and avoids the need for large incisions
Can Fibroids Return?
Fibroids removed during surgery do not grow back, but new fibroids can form. Studies show that up to 1 in 3 women may require repeat treatment within 5 years.
A hysterectomy offers a permanent solution with zero chance of fibroid recurrence.
What If Fibroids Are Left Untreated?
Without treatment, some fibroids can:
- Continue to grow and cause more severe pressure symptoms
- Lead to iron deficiency or anaemia from heavy bleeding
- Interfere with fertility or future pregnancies
- Rarely become painful, especially during pregnancy
Meet Your Melbourne Fibroid Specialist
- Specialises in complex fibroid management and minimally invasive surgery
- Offers robotic procedures tailored to your individual goals
- Trusted by patients and GPs across Melbourne
- Supportive, transparent care from your first diagnosis through to recovery
Take the Next Step
If you suspect fibroids or have been diagnosed and want to explore your options, speak with a Melbourne fibroid specialist today.
Call (03) 9115 9338 or
Request a consultation
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