What is Myomectomy?

The surgical excision of uterine fibroids is known as myomectomy, or fibroidectomy. Fibroids are benign, noncancerous growths that frequently, but not always, occur during reproductive years. The size, location, and number of fibroids present determine the severity of the symptoms.

Read More >>

When is Myomectomy required?

If you have fibroids that are bothering you or interfering with your daily activities, your doctor may consider a myomectomy.

If you need surgery for uterine fibroids, there are several reasons to opt for a myomectomy rather than a hysterectomy:

• You want to start a family
• Uterine fibroids may be interfering with your fertility
• Your uterus is something you want to retain

How is Myomectomy done?

There are three main ways to remove fibroid tumors surgically. The best option for you is determined by the location of the fibroids, the number of fibroids present, and the size of the fibroids. The following are the many types of myomectomy surgeries:

Abdominal Myomectomy

If you have several or extremely big fibroids growing in your uterine wall, an abdominal myomectomy may be the best option for you. During the surgery, you will be put under general anesthetic and will be sleeping. To reach the uterus and remove the fibroids, the surgeon will create a three- to four-inch long incision in the lower abdomen. Depending on the size and location of the fibroids, longer incisions may be required. After that, the uterus and skin are sewn shut. Following an abdominal myomectomy, most patients spend two to three days in the hospital.

Laparoscopic Myomectomy

If you have smaller and fewer fibroids, a laparoscopic myomectomy may be a better option. You will be put under general anesthesia for this treatment. At the belly button, bikini line, and around each hip, four small incisions of about 12″ each are made. The abdominal cavity is subsequently expanded with carbon dioxide gas, and a laparoscopy, or illuminated microscope, is introduced. The microscope allows the surgeons to examine the uterus and other reproductive organs as well as manipulate the equipment used to remove the fibroids from the other incisions. In many situations, this treatment is carried out with the assistance of a robotic arm that is controlled by a computer by the surgeon. Patients usually stay at the hospital for one day before returning home.

Hysteroscopic Myomectomy

This procedure is used to remove fibroids that have protruded considerably into the uterine cavity (submucosal fibroids). External incisions are not required for hysteroscopic myomectomy. During the procedure, you may be given either local or general anesthetic. You’ll lie down on your back with your feet in gynecological stirrups once the surgery begins. A tiny telescope is placed into the uterus through the cervix. The fluid will be introduced to separate the uterine walls, and the fibroids will be “shaved” off with a wire loop by the surgeon. This procedure is done as an outpatient procedure. You will be admitted to the hospital for observation for a few hours before being discharged the same day.

What is the Recovery after Myomectomy like?

The amount of time it takes to recuperate from a myomectomy operation is determined by the type of myomectomy performed. The following are the average healing times:

Abdominal Myomectomy– Most patients stay in the hospital for two to three days after having an abdominal myomectomy. There is an additional five-week rehabilitation period after being released.

Laparoscopic Myomectomy – This surgery usually only requires the patient to stay in the hospital for one night. It will take another three weeks to recover at home.

Hysteroscopic Myomectomy – This is an outpatient treatment. Most patients are able to return home the same day and only require a few days of rest to fully recover.

Following any type of myomectomy, you may have some discomfort. Until the incision is completely healed, heavy weight lifting should be avoided. To alleviate the discomfort, your doctor may prescribe medication. Following the operation, patients may endure spotting for days or even weeks.

Consult your doctor to establish when it is safe to resume sexual activity, as well as when it is safe to resume attempting to conceive.

What Results Can I Expect from Myomectomy?

Myomectomy may result in the following outcomes:

Reduced Symptoms– Most women enjoy alleviation from troublesome signs and symptoms after myomectomy surgery, such as heavy menstrual bleeding and pelvic pain and pressure.

Improved Fertility– Within a year following surgery, women who receive a laparoscopic myomectomy with or without robotic assistance had an excellent pregnancy outcome. To give your uterus time to heal after a myomectomy, you should wait three to six months before trying to conceive.