Minimally invasive surgery has opened new avenues for effectively treating gynecological conditions. This technology overcomes numerous limitations of traditional treatments, offering a novel and effective approach. It brings renewed hope to countless women seeking happiness and beauty while resolving treatment challenges for conditions like uterine fibroids, endometriosis, and ovarian cysts. Dr. Liu Kunfan states that advancements in minimally invasive techniques now enable solutions for most complex gynecological ailments.
Case 1
Years of Anemia Traced to Uterine Fibroids
The uterus stands as one of the most vital reproductive organs in women—our "first home" and the "cradle of life." Yet uterine fibroids act like a ticking time bomb within the female body, capable of detonating at any moment and unleashing irreversible tragedies upon countless women.For nearly a year, 34-year-old Yueyue had been pale and extremely weak. A year prior, she underwent surgery to remove multiple fibroids. Yet after the operation, her menstrual flow remained exceptionally heavy.Though numerous doctors advised hysterectomy, she clung to a sliver of hope. As her husband is an only child, she desperately wanted to bear him a child to fulfill their dream of parenthood.
What are the hidden dangers of uterine fibroids?
Liu Kunfan explains that uterine fibroids are tumors with a very high recurrence rate.Multiple fibroids have a higher recurrence rate than solitary fibroids. As the most common benign tumor in women, uterine fibroids develop from proliferating uterine smooth muscle tissue containing small amounts of fibrous connective tissue, most frequently occurring in middle-aged women. Typically, recurrence rates increase with younger age, nulliparity, or a history of multiple fibroids. However, recurrence is absolutely unrelated to fibroid size.The exact etiology of uterine fibroids remains unclear. In women of reproductive age, fibroids may continue to grow and develop, but growth ceases after menopause, leading to atrophy.
Uterine fibroids can present with various symptoms, often related to their location, size, and growth rate. Large intramural fibroids may cause shorter menstrual cycles, heavier menstrual flow, and longer periods.Submucosal fibroids manifest as menorrhagia, prolonged menstrual periods, persistent or irregular vaginal bleeding. Uterine fibroids compressing the bladder cause frequent urination, difficulty urinating, and urinary retention; compression of the ureter leads to hydronephrosis, while compression of the rectum causes constipation and tenesmus. Torsion of a pedunculated subserosal fibroid causes acute abdominal pain.Intense abdominal pain with fever may occur during red degeneration of fibroids. Increased vaginal discharge results from enlarged uterine cavities and heightened glandular secretion. Infected submucosal fibroids cause increased, purulent, and occasionally bloody discharge. Approximately 20%–30% of fibroid patients experience infertility. Chronic menorrhagia induced by fibroids may lead to secondary anemia.
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Health Clinic
Scientific Prevention and Targeted Treatment Are Equally Important
Uterine fibroids primarily result from endocrine disorders, specifically elevated estrogen levels. They frequently occur in women who have had few or no children, are infertile, or have never conceived.Unmarried individuals or those who do not bear children often have a higher likelihood of developing fibroids. A harmonious sex life and a happy family life are beneficial for preventing fibroids. Additionally, lifestyle adjustments are crucial: maintaining a balanced mindset, adhering to a regular routine, managing work stress effectively, and practicing work-life balance all contribute to preventing fibroids. Overall, these measures help prevent endocrine disorders.
Liu Kunfan notes that uterine fibroids are a common benign tumor in the female reproductive system, with most cases detectable in early stages. Women should be vigilant if they experience changes in their normal menstrual cycle, such as increased menstrual flow, prolonged periods, or irregular menstruation. While most patients with uterine fibroids do not experience pain, a small number may develop lower abdominal pain if the fibroids become infected or cause uterine deformation.A palpable mass may be felt in the lower abdomen, particularly noticeable when the bladder is full. While most patients experience no symptoms, low-lying fibroids—even small ones—can compress adjacent organs: bladder compression causes urinary difficulties; rectal compression leads to bowel issues; ureter compression may result in back pain.In a minority of cases, fibroids may cause infertility by deforming the uterus, hindering implantation of a fertilized egg. If either of these symptoms is detected, prompt medical evaluation is essential. Additionally, heavy vaginal bleeding can lead to anemia, manifesting as palpitations, dizziness, and fatigue. Necrosis or infection of submucosal fibroids may cause foul-smelling or bloody vaginal discharge.If you experience irregular vaginal bleeding or increased discharge, seek medical examination promptly for accurate diagnosis and treatment. Case Two Married but Childless, with an "Unspoken Secret" After graduating from university, Xiaoyu joined a foreign enterprise in Shanghai. She soon met her future husband, A Long, at a company event. Their marriage was harmonious, and their careers flourished—except for one regret: three years in, they still had no children.Every Chinese New Year when they returned home, both sets of parents urged them to have a baby. Each time, Xiaoyu and her husband would brush off the pressure by citing their busy work schedules.In truth, Xiaoyu had a "difficult-to-discuss secret" behind her years of infertility: each menstrual cycle brought excruciating pain. She tried everything—traditional Chinese medicine, Western drugs, folk remedies—anything rumored to cure dysmenorrhea. She rushed to consult doctors, spent heavily on medications, yet neither the pain nor her inability to conceive improved.It wasn't until she underwent a thorough gynecological examination that she learned all this was caused by "endometriosis."
Why is endometriosis cancer-like yet not cancer?
What exactly is endometriosis? It is a condition where functional endometrial tissue grows outside the uterine cavity, leading to endometriosis.The exact cause of endometriosis remains unclear, with theories including retrograde menstrual implantation and metaplasia. It is widely recognized as a special type of endometrial cell exhibiting the invasive properties of malignant tumor cells. This condition affects approximately 10% of women of reproductive age, with a noticeable upward trend.Approximately 80% of patients experience significant dysmenorrhea, and 50% suffer from infertility. This condition severely impacts the health and quality of life of young and middle-aged women, earning it the description of a "modern disease" that "feels like cancer but isn't cancer, causing pain but not death."
Although benign, endometriosis can migrate like malignant tumors and take root elsewhere. Displaced endometrial tissue frequently colonizes pelvic organs and the peritoneum, with a particular predilection for invading the ovaries.Its presence can also be detected in other body areas such as the rectouterine pouch, abdominal incision sites, umbilicus, bladder, kidneys, ureters, lungs, pleura, breasts, lymph nodes, and even joint cavities of hands, arms, or thighs. Furthermore, wherever endometrial tissue migrates, implants, and grows outside the pelvis, the affected site will experience cyclical pain, bleeding, or enlargement of masses.
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Minimally Invasive Techniques Alleviate Endometriosis Pain
Endometriosis may cause abdominal pain, lower back pain, dysuria, or even joint pain. Therefore, women should be vigilant if these symptoms consistently coincide with their menstrual cycle.Secondary dysmenorrhea is a hallmark symptom of endometriosis, often worsening as local lesions progress. Advances in medical technology now enable gynecologists to accurately diagnose and treat endometriosis. Research indicates a significant genetic predisposition: women with mothers or sisters who have endometriosis face several times higher risk than the general population.Therefore, women with mothers or sisters experiencing severe menstrual pain or suspected endometriosis should proactively seek screening to enable early detection and timely intervention. Patients diagnosed with endometriosis should follow their doctor's instructions for regular follow-up visits or examinations. Targeted treatment may involve minimally invasive surgery to remove lesions while preserving optimal fertility, reducing symptoms, and minimizing recurrence.A woman's body requires a robust immune system to effectively eliminate stray menstrual blood and endometrial tissue. A regular lifestyle, adequate rest, and proper nutrition can significantly enhance immune function. Managing stress and maintaining mental and physical well-being are also crucial, as depression and despair can weaken the immune system. Case 3 "Lower Abdominal Bulge" Caused by Cysts