How Much Does Fibroid Surgery Cost?


Written by:  Howmuchisit.org Staff

A fibroid tumor often occurs in the female uterus during their middle and later reproductive years.  These tumors are considered to be non-cancerous and will grow from the muscle layers of the uterus.  In very rare cases will they turn cancerous.  According to indianmedguru.com, fibroids will affect at least 20 percent of women at some time during their life, often between the ages between 30 and 50.

Fibroids are often considered as asymptomatic, which means the person suffering from this type of disease is usually not aware since it does not show any symptoms in its early stages.  Although no symptoms are felt in the beginning, it can grow and cause painful experiences.  If a person has a serious case and the nonsurgical methods don’t work, then fibroid surgery may be necessary to remove it.

The cost of the surgery will greatly depend on the type of surgery you have, the hospital, the doctor performing the procedure and your geographical location.

How much does fibroid surgery cost?

On average, plan on budgeting between $9,500 to as much as $40,000+ without insurance. Fibroid treatment is often covered by health insurance when it’s deemed medically necessary and other treatments have been exhausted.  A Uterine Fibroid Embolisation, for example, can cost $9,000 to $15,000 without insurance, while another popular method, a hysterectomy, can cost $15,000 to $25,000+.

The NCBI did research exploring the costs of the uterine fibroid surgery.  According to their data, close to 23,000 women with insurance coverage were treated surgically and 14,000 were treated nonsurgically in the study.  Of the patients who elected surgery, they paid an average of $16,430 for a hysterectomy, while those who didn’t choose surgery paid $7,460.

According to this FibroidRelief.org article, the author stated her myomectomy cost $20,000, but thankfully, her insurance covered most of the bill.

Treatment OptionPrice (without insurance)
Endometrial Ablation$9,000 to $20,000
Hysterectomy$15,000 to $30,000
Myomectomy$13,000 to $25,000
UFE (Uterine Fibroid Embolization)$15,000 to $40,000+

Fibroid surgery options

Endometrial Ablation

This procedure requires removing the lining of the uterus and may be used if the fibroids are near the inner surface of the uterus.  This procedure, often considered an alternative to a hysterectomy, is said to be 90 percent effective with women who have had it done.

Embolization

This newer procedure will shrink the fibroid by cutting off the blood supply.  As the doctor is guided by an x-ray image, he or she will thread a thin catheter through a tiny incision that was created in the groin area and will inject particles inside the main arteries that supply the blood to the uterus to effectively block it.  The uterus won’t be damaged since smaller arteries will still be able to supply the oxygen and nutrients it needs.  This can be performed with a local or general anesthesia and will take up to one hour to perform.

Hysterectomy

This is the most common procedure when removing fibroids; however, after the procedure, a woman won’t be able to get pregnant again since the uterus, cervix and oftentimes, the ovaries will be removed.  This will all depend on the patient’s age and if the ovaries are diseased.

Laparoscopic Surgery

During this procedure, the doctor will insert a small pencil-thin telescope inside an incision usually made in the abdomen to remove any fibroids present.  If the fibroids are small enough, then this incision will be made directly in the uterus.

Magnetic Resonance Guided Focused Ultrasound Surgery

An MRI scan will be able to locate the fibroids and sound waves will be aimed at them, effectively shrinking the fibroids.  Being a relatively new procedure, there is some doubt it actually works.

Magnetic Resonance Guided Percutaneous Laser Ablation

Also using an MRI scan, it will locate the fibroids, followed by the doctor inserting fine needles into the patient’s skin until it reaches the targeted fibroid.  Once inserted, a fiber-optic cable will be inserted and a laser light will be guided through to hit the fibroids and shrink them.

Myomectomy

This surgical procedure will remove the fibroids without removing the uterus and is designed for those who still want to get pregnant after the procedure.  However, this surgery doesn’t mean a woman can still get pregnant.  This procedure, just like a hysterectomy, will be performed through an incision made in the abdomen.

UFE (Uterine Fibroid Embolization)

Known as a minimally invasive procedure, a doctor will use an x-ray camera to inject small particles into the uterus and fibroids using a thin, flexible tube.  These particles will block the arteries the provide the blood flow to the uterus, ultimately providing relief for women who are experiencing a lot of pain.  A doctor may require this procedure if a woman doesn’t want to get pregnant or wants to avoid having a hysterectomy.

What are the extra costs?

Before the surgery is even considered, a doctor will want to diagnose a patient to confirm they have fibroids by taking certain tests such as an ultrasound, transvaginal scan, hysteroscopy, laparoscopy and/or biopsy.  An ultrasound, usually the most common test administered, will often be used when the patient is experiencing heavy periods.  A transvaginal scan may be used to take a closer look at the uterus, while a Hysteroscopy will use a smaller telescope-like device to examine the inside of the uterus.  If necessary, a biopsy will be performed to take a small sample off the lining of the uterus.

Painkillers, after most procedures, will be prescribed for the next three to six weeks.

Tips to know:

Symptoms of fibroids may include heavy vaginal bleeding, pelvic discomfort, pelvic pain, bladder issues, lower back pain and/or rectal problems.

According to some experts online, fibroids aren’t considered dangerous and will actually shrink with menopause; however, in some cases, they can be very painful, causing severe menstrual bleeding and/or pregnancy issues.

Overweight women are known to be higher at risk when compared to women of a normal weight.

Full recovery, on average, can take up to six weeks as long as you follow the doctor’s instructions.  This recovery time will greatly depend on which procedure you had.

How can I save money?

Some drug manufacturers offer coupons and/or discounts for those who meet a sliding income scale.  If your doctor has you on prescription medication, then it may be best to talk with the drug company or ask your doctor for the generic version.

Talk with your health insurance company ahead of time to see what’s covered.  Some insurance companies may only cover certain procedures, whereas other companies may have strict guidelines on what you need to do first before the approve the surgery.

Many hospitals and clinics will offer discounts to those who pay cash up front.

Surgery isn’t always the option as your doctor can recommend medication before surgery is even considered.  If you have to, consider getting a second or third opinion.


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