SURGICAL MANAGEMENT OF SYMPTOMATIC UTERINE FIBROIDS: A COMPARISON BETWEEN CONVENTIONAL AND MINIMALLY INVASIVE TECHNIQUES

Abstract

Symptomatic uterine fibroids represent one of the main indications for surgical intervention in gynecological practice, due to their significant impact on women's quality of life. Advances in surgical techniques have broadened the available therapeutic options, highlighting the comparison between conventional and minimally invasive approaches. This study aimed to critically analyze the scientific evidence regarding the surgical management of symptomatic uterine fibroids, comparing the clinical, perioperative, and reproductive outcomes of conventional and minimally invasive techniques. This is a narrative literature review, conducted through searches in the PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, SciELO, and LILACS databases, including studies published between 2013 and 2024. The results indicated that both approaches are effective in resolving symptoms; however, minimally invasive techniques offer significant advantages, such as less blood loss, reduced postoperative pain, shorter hospital stay, and faster recovery. Conventional techniques maintain a relevant role in complex cases, such as large or multiple fibroids, where surgical safety is a priority. It is concluded that the choice of surgical technique should be individualized, considering the patient's characteristics, the fibroid profile, and the availability of resources, with minimally invasive approaches being preferred when clinically indicated.