Post-surgical diet for uterine fibroids

Written by Yan Qiao
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on September 02, 2024
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Before passing gas after a myomectomy, we must avoid foods that produce gas, such as milk and soy milk, and only consume small amounts of water and clear soup. Once the patient has passed gas, they can be advised to eat easily digestible foods, such as congee and noodles. After the patient has had a bowel movement, they can resume a normal diet, but it should be light and avoid irritating foods, such as those high in oil, salt, and spices, as well as some stimulating beverages. After discharge, it is recommended that the patient eat more vegetables and high-fiber fruits, and avoid gas-producing foods, which typically include legumes, sweet potatoes, potatoes, and so on.

Other Voices

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Written by Li Lin
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Are uterine fibroids contagious?

The exact causes of uterine fibroids are not yet clear, but since fibroids commonly occur during reproductive years, are rarely seen before puberty, and tend to shrink or regress after menopause, it suggests that the occurrence of fibroids may be related to female hormones. Studies have shown that uterine fibroid tissues are highly sensitive to estrogen, which is one of the important factors in the development of fibroids. Additionally, research indicates that progesterone promotes mitotic activity in fibroids, stimulating the growth of uterine fibroids. Cytogenetic studies show that some uterine fibroids have chromosomal abnormalities. Based on these studies, it is evident that uterine fibroids are not contagious.

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Written by Li Shun Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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What are the symptoms of uterine fibroids?

If the uterine fibroids are relatively small, they generally do not show symptoms. However, submucosal uterine fibroids, regardless of their size, can cause heavy menstrual bleeding and prolonged periods. Intramural uterine fibroids, if protruding into the uterine cavity, can also lead to heavy menstrual bleeding and prolonged periods. If the uterine fibroids are large and press against the bladder in front, symptoms such as frequent urination and urinary urgency can occur. If they press against the rectum in the back, it can lead to difficulty in defecation or a feeling of downward pain. Therefore, if symptoms are present with uterine fibroids, surgical treatment is necessary.

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Written by Sun Shan Shan
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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How long does uterine fibroid surgery take?

Firstly, there are several types of surgeries for uterine fibroids, so the duration of the surgery depends on the size of the fibroids, the surgical method, and the type of anesthesia used. If the surgery is an open surgery for simply removing benign uterine fibroids, the operation, including the time for anesthesia, generally takes about two hours, which is not very long. If the surgery is done laparoscopically under general anesthesia, it may take a longer time, and it takes some time for the patient to recover from anesthesia post-surgery. If the uterine tumor is malignant, then the surgery might require rapid pathological examination and the removal of other areas, leading to a more extended surgery time which can vary significantly.

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Written by Wang Jing Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Do fibroids cause stomach pain?

Uterine fibroids, if merely present and not too large, generally do not cause abdominal pain. If there are symptoms of abdominal pain, it is necessary to check whether there is pelvic inflammatory disease by examining if there is tenderness in the uterus and adnexal areas. Uterine fibroids, if accompanied by adenomyosis, can also cause abdominal pain, particularly progressive dysmenorrhea symptoms. Therefore, if there is abdominal pain, it is essential to first perform an ultrasound to understand the specifics of the uterine fibroids, whether there are other masses in the pelvic area that might be twisted, and also to check for inflammation, the presence of an intrauterine device, etc.

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Written by Sun Shan Shan
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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How to treat uterine fibroids?

Uterine fibroids are the most common benign tumors of the female reproductive organs, consisting of smooth muscle and connective tissue, mostly seen in women aged 30-50. Uterine fibroids can be classified into fibroids of the uterine body and cervical fibroids. Depending on their location, the treatments differ. Fibroids of the uterine body are further divided into intramural fibroids, subserosal fibroids, and submucosal fibroids. In cases of submucosal fibroids, prompt symptomatic treatment is necessary once detected, as these fibroids grow towards the uterine cavity and protrude into it, covered only by the endometrium on the surface. Hence, timely surgical intervention and regular physical examinations are crucial for submucosal fibroids.