Small Incisions, Big Impact: A Mother's Fibroid Surgery Story

For Lesley Jaskierny, the joy and excitement of her first pregnancy came with an extra layer of concern. She had known about her uterine fibroid for years and doctors did not expect it to interfere with pregnancy. But as her baby grew, so did the fibroid, eventually swelling to the size of a honeydew melon.

Despite the pain and uncertainty the fibroid caused, Lesley delivered a healthy baby boy. Still, the fibroid remained. "After I had my son, I still looked six months pregnant because the fibroid was so large," Lesley shared. She knew she wanted to have more children, but worried about how the fibroid would affect future pregnancies.

That's when Lesley turned to Dr. Erika Mowers, a board-certified minimally invasive gynecologic surgeon at Trinity Health IHA Medical Group, to discuss her options. Together, they decided on a robotic-assisted surgery to remove the fibroid, which had grown to nearly two pounds.

In Lesley's case, the benefits were clear. "We always try to take a minimally invasive approach if we can," Dr. Mowers explained. "It means less pain, faster recovery, lower risk of serious complications, and a better surgical outcome – especially for patients who want to have more children."

A Life-Changing Surgery

Lesley was naturally a little nervous before her surgery, but Dr. Mowers and the team put her at ease. "I had a million questions, and they answered every single one," she said. "They made me feel confident going forward."

The procedure, a laparoscopic myomectomy, went smoothly. Using small, "Band-Aid-sized" incisions and a surgical robot, Dr. Mowers successfully removed the fibroid. "The robotic approach allows us to be more precise and work quickly, which means less blood loss and a better outcome. For patients planning future pregnancies, this precision is especially important," Dr. Mowers explained.

Lesley returned home the same day, an outcome Dr. Mowers sees in the majority of these procedures. "Many of our patients are busy moms juggling work and family," Dr. Mowers noted. "They're up and moving, just taking it easier for a few weeks."

More Energy, More Possibilities

A month after her surgery, Lesley feels renewed and has more energy. As her son’s first birthday approaches, she now looks forward to the possibility of giving him a sibling, something she once feared might not be possible. "Thank you isn't enough of a word," she shared. "It has been a massive relief and weight off my shoulders."

For Dr. Mowers, stories like Lesley's highlight why she chose this specialty: "I love that I'm able to help people have their families." She encourages anyone with fibroids to explore their options, adding, "Each situation is unique. It's important to see a specialist who can present all available treatments and help you choose what's right for you."

Find Treatment for Fibroids Now

Fibroids shouldn’t stand in the way of your life or your future plans. Learn more about the treatment options offered by our women’s health experts and schedule an appointment at 

Trinity Health Women's Specialty Care