Some women who suffer from uterine fibroids or leiomyomas attempt to cure the condition on their own. These attempts eventually end with a visit to a doctor. More often than not, the doctor will recommend surgical treatment after a full diagnosis. With the assumption of surgery being the only solution to the matter, most women will undergo surgery. But at what cost?
Myomectomy and Hysterectomy
People with severe uterine issues often experience daily pain. The symptoms include, but are not limited to, heavy and long menstrual periods, pain in the pelvic region, bladder issues such as abnormal urinary activity, and aches along the lower body. Approaching a doctor with these symptoms may result in one of two surgical treatments.
The surgical treatment of uterine fibroids may be done via either of two procedures: myomectomy and hysterectomy. A myomectomy involves removing fibroids while keeping the healthy uterine tissues intact. Women who look forward to becoming mothers commonly undergo myomectomy. This is the standard treatment for fibroid removal.
On the other hand, hysterectomy is the complete or partial removal of the uterus. Depending on the diagnosis, it may include removing the fallopian tubes, ovaries or cervix. This surgical treatment is often done as a last measure for severe cases of uterine problems.
Costs of Surgical Treatment
By common knowledge, most surgical treatments are costly. According to data from MarketScan Commercial Claims and Encounters, more than three-fourths of patients who went through surgery chose hysterectomy. Less than 10% of these patients underwent myomectomy.
The same sources reported that surgical care could cost as low as $15,000 and may cost a maximum of more than $18,500. These costs are entirely dependent on the patient and the type of surgery needed.
A standard myomectomy is considered a simple and affordable treatment compared to hysterectomy. The unadjusted price for a myomectomy is $14,726 while the adjusted cost can reach up to $18,674. A hysterectomy’s unadjusted cost is $15,180 and the adjusted cost is $17,390. An adjusted hysterectomy is cheaper than an adjusted myomectomy by more than a thousand US dollars.
However, surgical treatments in women have a drawback. The data obtained gave reports of the indirect costs after a surgery. Patients who underwent treatment were more prone to being absent from work. The cost of losses to employers ranged from a mere $6,670 to an alarming amount of $25,229.
Adding it all up, the possible costs during and after surgical treatment may reach up to a total of more than $43,903. This does not include possible treatment following the surgery. Neither does it include medication given before the procedure.
In this light, treating uterine fibroids through the means of surgery may prove disadvantageous to a woman’s finances. Though the symptoms experienced during the presence of fibroids may decrease, subtle pains from scarring, discomfort and other effects of post-surgery may persist.
In conclusion, surgical treatment is only recommendable to patients who cannot find any other alternative solution. Women who plan to take on surgical treatment should carefully understand the procedure, the costs of doing so, and whether or not they are able to handle the effects of surgery.
Share this:
