Considering Fibroid Removal Surgery? Everything You Need to Know From a Fellowship-Trained Gynecologic Surgeon

If you're experiencing heavy periods, pelvic pain, or pressure that's affecting your quality of life, uterine fibroids might be the culprit. As a fellowship-trained gynecologic surgeon serving Port Washington and the greater Long Island area, I've helped countless women navigate the decision to pursue fibroid removal surgery. Here's what you need to know about your options, what to expect, and how to make the best choice for your health.

Understanding Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in or around the uterus. They're incredibly common, affecting >60% of patients aged 30-44 years₁, yet many women suffer in silence, unsure whether their symptoms warrant treatment. At our gynecology clinic on Long Island, we believe every woman deserves to understand her options and feel empowered in her healthcare decisions.

Many fibroids can be asymptomatic, but possible fibroid symptoms include heavy menstrual bleeding, prolonged periods, pelvic pressure or pain, frequent urination, difficulty emptying your bladder, constipation, painful intercourse, and bloating or abdominal swelling/firmness. If these symptoms sound familiar, you're not alone, and more importantly, you don't have to live with them.

When Should You Consider Fibroid Surgery?

Not all fibroids require surgery. However, fibroid removal surgery becomes an important consideration when:

• Your symptoms significantly impact your daily life and/or quality of life

• You're experiencing anemia from heavy menstrual bleeding

• Fibroids are affecting your fertility or causing pregnancy complications

• Conservative treatments haven't provided adequate relief

• Fibroids are growing rapidly or causing structural problems
  

As a minimally invasive gynecologic surgeon on Long Island, I take a personalized approach to fibroid treatment. Surgery isn't always the first option, but when it is necessary, having a fellowship-trained specialist makes all the difference in your outcome.

Types of Fibroid-Removal Surgery: Which Is Right for You?

Myomectomy

A myomectomy removes fibroids while preserving your uterus, an excellent option for women who want to maintain fertility or simply prefer to keep their uterus. This fibroid removal procedure can be performed through several approaches, depending on the size and location of your fibroid(s).

Laparoscopic/robotic myomectomy uses small incisions and specialized instruments, offering faster recovery and minimal scarring. Not every patient is a candidate for laparoscopic myomectomy, as every uterus and fibroid pattern is unique. A thorough evaluation by a highly trained minimally invasive gynecologic surgeon is essential to determine the most appropriate surgical approach for your specific condition. In most cases, a preoperative MRI is recommended to accurately map the fibroids and guide surgical planning. For patients undergoing laparoscopic myomectomy, I utilize the precision of the da Vinci® robotic system, which allows for meticulous suturing, optimal uterine closure, and efficient operative times, helping to minimize time under anesthesia and support a smoother recovery. Consultation and postop care for laparoscopic/robotic myomectomy would happen at our gynecology clinic on Long Island, with surgery taking place at a nearby hospital.

Hysteroscopic myomectomy removes fibroids that are growing inside the uterine cavity. A small camera or scope is inserted through the vagina and cervix into the uterus, so no abdominal incisions are required. Because visualization, technique, and adequate fibroid removal are critical to successful outcomes, this procedure is best performed by a fellowship-trained gynecologic surgeon. In my gynecology practice, I frequently care for patients who require revision or completion of prior hysteroscopic procedures due to incomplete fibroid removal, underscoring the importance of specialized training and experience from the outset.

Abdominal myomectomy is the removal of fibroids through an open abdominal incision, or laparotomy. Sometimes referred to as “traditional open surgery.” This approach may be necessary for larger or numerous fibroids, though advanced surgical techniques have made this less common.

Hysterectomy

For women who have completed childbearing or have severe fibroid symptoms, hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) can offer a permanent solution. In most cases, the ovaries are preserved, so hysterectomy does not necessarily result in sudden menopause. Compared to myomectomy, hysterectomy typically involves less blood loss and may allow for a minimally invasive laparoscopic or robotic approach, even in situations where fibroid removal alone would require laparotomy (open surgery). These modern techniques for hysterectomies are associated with shorter hospital stays and a quicker return to normal activities.

The Advantage of a Fellowship-Trained Gynecologic Surgeon in Port Washington, NY

Fellowship training in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery is among the highest levels of surgical expertise in our field. This advanced training means I've completed years of specialized education beyond medical school and residency, focusing specifically on complex gynecologic procedures, including fibroid removal surgery.

For patients in Port Washington, NY, and throughout Nassau County, this expertise translates to:

• More surgical options, including complex laparoscopic procedures

• Better outcomes with fewer complications

• Smaller incisions and faster recovery times

• Personalized surgical planning based on your unique anatomy

• Comprehensive pre- and post-operative care
  

What to Expect: The Fibroid Surgery Journey

At Balanced Medical in Port Washington, we believe informed patients are empowered patients. During your surgical consultation, I'll review your imaging studies, discuss your symptoms and goals, and create a customized treatment plan. We'll walk through every aspect of your fibroid removal procedure, from pre-operative preparation to recovery expectations.

Most patients undergoing minimally invasive fibroid surgery at our gynecology practice can expect:

• Outpatient or short hospital stays (often same-day discharge)

• Significantly less pain compared to traditional open surgery

• Return to light activities within 1-2 weeks

• Full recovery within 4-6 weeks for most procedures
  

Choosing the Best Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgeon on Long Island

Deciding to pursue fibroid surgery is deeply personal. Some women seek treatment because symptoms interfere with work or family life, while others are focused on preserving or enhancing fertility. Whatever your reason, you deserve a minimally invasive gynecologic surgeon who listens carefully, explains every option clearly, and aligns treatment with your personal goals.

While there are many skilled surgeons in the Long Island area who participate with insurance plans, Balanced Medical in Port Washington offers something more. In addition to exceptional gynecologic surgical expertise, we provide an enhanced level of personalized care, access, and continuity that is often unavailable in traditional insurance-based practices. As your partner in women’s health, I am committed to delivering the highest standard of minimally invasive gynecologic surgery in a setting that prioritizes time, communication, and individualized attention, from your initial surgical consultation through your full recovery.

Schedule Your Fibroid Surgery Consultation with Balanced Medical in Port Washington

Living with fibroid symptoms doesn't have to be your reality. If you're experiencing heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, or other symptoms affecting your quality of life, it's time to explore your options with a fellowship-trained specialist in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery.

Book your surgical consult with Balanced Medical today. Located in Port Washington, we proudly serve women throughout Long Island, Nassau County, and the North Shore. Let's discuss your symptoms, review your options, and create a personalized treatment plan that puts your health and goals first. Don't wait another month suffering in silence.

About Dr. Adrienne Mandelberger, Fellowship-Trained Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgeon

Dr. Adrienne Mandelberger is a board-certified OB/GYN, fellowship-trained minimally invasive gynecologic surgeon, and certified menopause practitioner serving Port Washington and Long Island, New York.

Dr. Mandelberger obtained her undergraduate BA from Cornell University and her medical degree from Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston, MA. She completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City and went on to pursue fellowship training in Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery at Northwell Health. She received certification as a menopause practitioner from The Menopause Society and is a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha medical honor society.

After years of practicing within a corporate health system, Dr. Mandelberger founded Balanced Medical in Port Washington with a clear mission: to provide each patient with the time and attention they deserve. Her membership-based practice model allows her to deliver an exceptional level of personalized gynecologic care that simply isn't possible in traditional corporate medicine.

Dr. Mandelberger's approach combines surgical excellence with comprehensive women's health care. Her expertise spans complex fibroid removal surgery, minimally invasive procedures, menopause management, IUD insertion/removal, and more, with a focus on truly listening to her patients' concerns and addressing the root causes of their symptoms.

She lives on Long Island with her husband and two children, bringing both professional expertise and personal understanding to the care of women throughout every stage of life.