Uterine fibroids are one of the most common gynaecological conditions affecting women in Singapore yet many live with symptoms for years before seeking help. If heavy periods, pelvic pain, or pressure in the lower abdomen are affecting your quality of life, a thorough specialist gynaecology examination should be conducted to assess the cause, and to identify possible underlying structural issues such as uterine fibroids. For women with significant uterine fibroids, fibroid removal surgery may be the most effective path to long-term relief.
At Trinity Women’s Specialists, our gynaecologists are experienced in minimally invasive approaches, including laparoscopic surgery for fibroids (also known as keyhole surgery). These techniques preserve and restore fertility, whilst allowing most patients to return home and to resume regular activities with shorter downtimes as compared with traditional surgery.
This page explains everything you need to know about fibroid removal surgery in Singapore: the treatment options available, what to expect from the procedure, the costs involved, and whether your insurance or MediSave can help cover the bill.
What Are Uterine Fibroids?
Uterine fibroids (also called leiomyomas or myomas) are non-cancerous growths that develop in or around the walls of the uterus. They vary enormously in size — from as small as a pea to as large as a grapefruit — and a woman may have a single fibroid or multiple at once.
Fibroids are classified by their location:
- Intramural fibroids — grow within the muscular wall of the uterus (most common)
- Subserosal fibroids — grow on the outer surface of the uterus, sometimes extending outward on a stalk
- Submucosal fibroids — grow just below the inner lining of the uterus and protrude into the uterine cavity
- Pedunculated fibroids — attached to the uterus by a thin stalk (can be subserosal or submucosal)
The location and size of a fibroid largely determines the symptoms it causes and which surgical approach is most appropriate.
Signs You May Need Fibroid Removal Surgery
Not all fibroids require treatment — small, asymptomatic fibroids are often monitored over time. After menopause, most fibroids should shrink. However, surgery is typically recommended when fibroids cause:
If you recognise these symptoms, a consultation with a specialist is the right first step. A pelvic examination and ultrasound can confirm the size, number, and location of any fibroids before a treatment plan is discussed.
Types of Fibroid Removal Surgery in Singapore
A myomectomy is the surgical procedure used to remove fibroids while preserving the uterus. This makes it the preferred option for women who wish to maintain their fertility or avoid a hysterectomy. There are three main approaches to myomectomy, and the right one depends on the fibroid’s size, number, and location.
1. Laparoscopic (Keyhole) Myomectomy — Minimally Invasive
Laparoscopic surgery for fibroids — commonly called keyhole surgery for fibroids — is the most widely recommended approach for eligible patients. Through three to four tiny incisions (each less than one centimetre), a slim camera (laparoscope) and slender surgical instruments are inserted to locate and remove fibroids with precision.
This approach is ideal for subserosal and intramural fibroids that are accessible from the outer uterine wall. The small incisions mean significantly less pain, minimal scarring, a shorter hospital stay (typically one to two nights), and a recovery period of two to four weeks — compared to four to eight weeks for open surgery.
The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia and usually takes one to three hours depending on the number and complexity of fibroids being removed.
2. Hysteroscopic Myomectomy — No External Incision
For submucosal fibroids that protrude into the uterine cavity, a hysteroscopic approach is often preferred. A thin telescope (hysteroscope) is passed through the vagina and cervix into the uterus — no cuts are made on the abdomen at all. The fibroid is then removed using a resectoscope or morcellator.
This is typically performed as day surgery or with a one-night stay, and recovery is usually complete within one to two weeks.
3. Open (Abdominal) Myomectomy — For Complex Cases
In cases where fibroids are very large (typically greater than 10–12 cm), extremely numerous, or in technically challenging locations, an open myomectomy may be recommended. This involves a single horizontal incision along the bikini line (similar to a caesarean section), giving the surgeon direct access to the uterus.
While recovery time is longer (four to eight weeks) and scarring is more visible, this approach allows the most complete removal of complex fibroids in a single procedure.
Comparing Fibroid Removal Approaches at a Glance
| Item | Laparoscopic (Keyhole) | Hysteroscopic | Open (Abdominal) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Incision | 3–4 small cuts (< 1 cm) | No external cut — via vagina/cervix | Single large abdominal incision |
| Best For | Subserosal & intramural fibroids | Submucosal fibroids inside the cavity | Very large or multiple complex fibroids |
| Hospital Stay | 1–2 nights | Day surgery or 1 night | 2–4 nights |
| Recovery Time | 2–4 weeks | 1–2 weeks | 4–8 weeks |
| Scarring | Minimal (tiny puncture marks) | None visible | Visible scar |
| Uterus Preserved? | Yes | Yes | Yes (myomectomy only) |
Note: The most suitable approach for you will be discussed by your specialist after reviewing your imaging and clinical history.
What to Expect from Laparoscopic Fibroid Surgery
For most patients undergoing keyhole surgery for fibroids, the experience unfolds broadly as follows:
- Before surgery: Your specialist will review your ultrasound and / or MRI scans (if any), discuss your symptoms and fertility goals, and confirm the surgical plan. Pre-operative blood tests and anaesthesia assessment are arranged.
- On the day: You will be admitted on the morning of surgery. The laparoscopic procedure typically takes one to three hours under general anaesthesia. Small gas-filled spaces allow the camera and instruments to manoeuvre around the uterus.
- In hospital: Most patients stay one to two nights for observation and pain management. Intravenous pain relief is used initially, transitioning to oral medication.
- Recovery at home: Light activity can usually resume within a week. Most women return to desk work in one to two weeks and full activity in two to four weeks. Strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided for four to six weeks.
- Follow-up: A post-operative consultation is arranged to review recovery, confirm the pathology report, and discuss any longer-term monitoring.
Benefits of Keyhole Surgery for Fibroids
Compared to traditional open myomectomy, laparoscopic fibroid surgery offers several meaningful advantages:
For women whose fibroids are causing heavy periods, consider also reading about non-surgical and surgical options for heavy menstrual bleeding, which may be relevant depending on whether fibroids are the sole cause.
Does Insurance Cover Fibroid Removal in Singapore?
Does insurance cover fibroid removal? In Singapore, the short answer is: yes, in most cases — provided the procedure is deemed medically necessary and you have the right coverage. Here is how the main financing schemes apply:
| Financing Scheme | Typical Coverage | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| MediSave | Up to SGD 5,000–7,550 (surgical limit, complexity-dependent) | Claimable for inpatient myomectomy. Limit varies by Table of Surgical Procedures (TOSP) code. |
| MediShield Life | Partial offset for hospitalisation and surgery | Covers medically necessary procedures at public hospitals. Private ward or clinic may attract co-insurance. |
| Integrated Shield Plan (IP) | Significant portion of total bill — varies by plan tier | Private IPs can cover private hospital bills. Subject to pre-authorisation and policy exclusions. |
| Rider / Top-Up Plans | Reduces or eliminates co-payment and deductible | Check with your insurer whether your rider covers fibroid removal at a private specialist clinic. |
MediSave can be used for inpatient fibroid removal surgery under the Ministry of Health’s approved Table of Surgical Procedures. The withdrawal limit depends on the TOSP code assigned to your procedure — a straightforward myomectomy (code SI815) has a different limit from a complex case (code SI815U, e.g. fibroids > 5 cm, multiple fibroids > 2, or challenging locations).
MediShield Life and Integrated Shield Plans (ISPs) cover medically necessary surgery for hospitalised patients. However, coverage varies by plan and insurer, and there may be deductibles, co-insurance, or pre-existing condition exclusions to be aware of. Pre-authorisation from your insurer is recommended before your procedure.
Our clinic team can assist you in understanding your estimated coverage and provide the documentation needed for your insurer or MediSave claim.
Why Choose Trinity Women's Specialists for Fibroid Removal?
Trinity Women’s Specialists is led by Dr Samantha Yeo, a specialist obstetrician and gynaecologist based in Singapore, and is supported by minimally invasive surgical experts Dr Timothy Lim Yong Kuei, and Dr Tan Heng Hao. The clinic focuses exclusively on women’s health, offering a considered, patient-centred approach to conditions including fibroids, endometriosis, heavy periods, and gynaecological cancers.
When you consult with us about fibroid removal, you can expect:
We also treat related conditions that often occur alongside fibroids. If you have been experiencing heavy or painful periods, you may also want to learn about endometriosis surgery or treatment options for heavy periods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can fibroids come back after laparoscopic surgery?
Yes, there is a possibility that new fibroids can develop after a myomectomy, particularly in younger women. Studies suggest recurrence rates are higher the further a patient is from menopause. Surgical technique also plays a large role in determining the likelihood of fibroid recurrence. However, many women remain symptom-free for years — and the closer to menopause, the less likely new fibroids are to grow significantly. Your specialist will discuss the likelihood of recurrence based on your individual case.
Will fibroid removal surgery affect my ability to get pregnant?
For most women, a myomectomy preserves — and often improves — fertility, particularly if fibroids were distorting the uterine cavity or interfering with implantation. In addition to improved fertility, fibroid removal also reduces the risk of miscarriage. After a laparoscopic myomectomy, most surgeons recommend waiting six months before attempting conception to allow the uterus to heal fully. Most patients who have undergone laparoscopic or open myomectomy would be advised to undergo Caesarean delivery in view of a slight increased risk of uterine rupture following uterine surgery. The specific advice will depend on the size, location, and number of fibroids removed.
How do I know if keyhole surgery is suitable for my fibroids?
Suitability for laparoscopic fibroid surgery depends on the size, number, and location of your fibroids, as well as your overall health. Generally, laparoscopic myomectomy works well for subserosal and intramural fibroids that are not too numerous or deeply embedded. Very large fibroids or a high fibroid count may point toward an open approach. An ultrasound and consultation with a specialist will establish the best route for you.
What is the difference between myomectomy and hysterectomy?
A myomectomy removes only the fibroids while leaving the uterus intact. A hysterectomy removes the uterus entirely, which permanently eliminates the possibility of further fibroid growth but also ends menstruation and the ability to conceive. For women who wish to preserve fertility — or simply prefer to keep their uterus — myomectomy is the standard surgical recommendation. A hysterectomy may be considered in cases of very large or numerous fibroids, or when symptoms are severe and no fertility is desired.
Can endometriosis and fibroids occur together?
Yes, fibroids and endometriosis can coexist, and the two conditions share some overlapping symptoms such as heavy periods and pelvic pain. If both are suspected, your specialist may recommend addressing them concurrently or in sequence. Learn more about endometriosis surgery options at Trinity Women’s Specialists.
Do I need a referral to see a specialist about fibroids in Singapore?
You do not need a referral to book a consultation at Trinity Women’s Specialists. However, a referral from your GP can help lower the cost of the specialist consultation through MediSave (for Singaporeans and PRs). If you have an existing referral letter or imaging reports, please bring them to your appointment.