Mr James Tibbott is a Consultant Gynaecologist offering advanced surgical management of fibroids, including robotic myomectomy — a minimally invasive, uterus-preserving option for women who wish to retain their fertility or simply avoid a larger operation.

Fibroids are one of the most common gynaecological conditions, affecting up to 1 in 3 women at some point in their lives. For many women they cause no problems at all. For others, they can lead to heavy periods, pelvic pressure, pain, bloating, or difficulty conceiving.

At Yorkshire Endometriosis, we take the same holistic, patient-centred approach to fibroids as we do to endometriosis: listening to your symptoms, explaining every option clearly, and working with you to find the treatment that fits your priorities — whether that's fertility, symptom control, or avoiding major surgery.

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What Are Fibroids?

Fibroids (also called leiomyomas) are non-cancerous growths of muscle and fibrous tissue that develop in or around the womb (uterus). They vary enormously in size — from as small as a pea to as large as a melon — and a woman may have one or many at the same time.

Common symptoms include:

• Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding
• Pelvic pain or pressure
• A feeling of bloating or abdominal swelling
• Frequent need to pass urine
• Pain during sex
• Difficulty conceiving, or recurrent miscarriage in some cases

Not all fibroids need treatment. Many are found incidentally on a scan and cause no symptoms at all. Where treatment is appropriate, the right option depends on the size, number, and position of your fibroids, your symptoms, and whether you hope to have children in the future.

Your Treatment Options

We offer the full range of evidence-based options for fibroids, from conservative management through to surgery:

• Watchful waiting — appropriate for fibroids that are small or not causing symptoms
• Medical management — hormonal treatments to help control heavy bleeding or shrink fibroids ahead of surgery
• Hysteroscopic (camera-guided) removal — for fibroids growing into the cavity of the womb
• Myomectomy — surgical removal of fibroids while preserving the uterus, available as open, laparoscopic (keyhole), or robotic surgery
• Hysterectomy — removal of the uterus, usually considered once a woman has completed her family or where other treatments aren't suitable

Robotic Myomectomy

Mr Tibbott leads for gynaecological robotic surgery within his Clinical Service Unit and is one of the few surgeons in Yorkshire offering robotic myomectomy for the surgical management of fibroids.

A myomectomy removes fibroids while leaving the uterus intact — an important option for women who wish to preserve their fertility, or who simply want to keep their womb. Robotic surgery allows this to be done through a small number of tiny incisions, using a magnified 3D view and instruments with a greater range of movement than the human hand.

Benefits of robotic myomectomy can include:

• Improved precision when removing fibroids and reconstructing the uterine wall
• Reduced blood loss during surgery
• Smaller incisions and less visible scarring than open surgery
• Less post-operative pain
• Shorter hospital stay
• Quicker return to normal activities

Most insurance companies cover robotic surgery for fibroids

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Is Robotic Myomectomy Right for You?

Robotic myomectomy isn't the right choice for everyone, and it isn't offered in isolation from a full discussion of your options. It tends to be best suited to women with:

• Multiple fibroids, or fibroids in positions that are difficult to reach laparoscopically
• A wish to preserve fertility or avoid hysterectomy
• A preference for a minimally invasive approach over open surgery

As with any surgery, myomectomy carries risks, including bleeding, infection, and — in rare cases — the need to convert to open surgery. We'll talk you through the risks and benefits specific to your situation, so you can make an informed decision that's right for you.

What to Expect

1. Consultation — a thorough discussion of your symptoms, scan findings, and goals (including fertility plans)
2. Planning — further imaging (such as MRI) if needed, to map your fibroids and plan the safest surgical approach
3. Surgery — carried out at Leeds Spire, Nuffield Leeds, or St James's Hospital
4. Recovery — most women go home within 1–2 days and return to normal activities within a few weeks, though this varies by individual

Get in Touch

If you'd like to discuss your symptoms or find out whether robotic myomectomy could be right for you, please get in touch to arrange a consultation.

Telephone: +44 7568476454 E-mail: catherine.page@Spirehealthcare.com