Myomectomy
Overview
What is a Myomectomy?
Myomectomy is a surgical procedure to remove symptom-causing uterine fibroids and reconstruct the uterus. Unlike a hysterectomy that removes you entire uterus, Myomectomy removes only the fibroids and leaves the uterus intact. The procedure may be recommended if your doctor suspects uterine fibroids are interfering with your fertility. This is especially important if your plan on becoming pregnant in the future. Women who undergo Myomectomy experience decrease pelvic pain, menstrual bleeding and pelvic pressure from fibroids. It’s important to note that even after the procedure new fibroids can develop.
Risks
Myomectomy Potential Risks and Complications
Myomectomy has a low complication rate; however, risks include:
Excessive blood loss
Since many women with fibroids already have a low blood count due to heavy menstrual bleeding, they are at a higher risk of problems due to blood loss. Prior to surgery your doctor will suggest ways to build up your blood supply.
Scar tissue
Myomectomy incisions into the uterus can lead to adhesions, bands of scar tissue that may develop after surgery. It’s been found that laparoscopic myomectomy may cause fewer adhesions.
Pregnancy or childbirth complications
A myomectomy can increase certain risks during pregnancy and childbirth. If your doctor had to make a deep incision in your uterine wall during the procedure, a cesarean delivery (C-section) may be recommend.
What to Expect
What to Expect During a Myomectomy
Depending on the size, number and location of your fibroids, your St. John’s Physician Partners gynecologist may recommend one of three surgical approaches to myomectomy:
Abdominal myomectomy
With this traditional procedure, your doctor may open and abdominal incision to access your uterus and remove the fibroids.
Laparoscopic and robotic myomectomy
This minimally invasive surgical technique allows the doctor to access and remove fibroids through several small incisions in your abdominal wall. In robotic myomectomy, your doctor inserts instruments through small incisions similar to laparoscopic myomectomy and then controls the instruments from a separate console. In many cases, your doctor may perform a single-port or one incision procedure.
Hysteroscopic myomectomy
When smaller fibroids bulge significantly into the uterus, your doctor may remove the fibroids using instruments inserted through your vagina and cervix.
At St. John’s Physician Partners, our doctors prefer state-of-art laparoscopic or robotic myomectomy for women who are candidates for the surgery because the benefits include:
- Less post-operative pain and scarring
- Less blood loss
- Lower risk of infection
- Shorter hospital stay
- Faster recovery and return to normal activity
Regardless of the myomectomy procedure your doctor recommends, you will receive specific instructions on how to prepare, what to expect and post-operative instructions. Be sure to ask your doctors any questions or concerns you may have.
Specialists
