Myomectomy Surgery: What You Need to Know
Uterine fibroids are a gynecological condition common among many women during their reproductive years. While fibroids are usually harmless, they can cause multiple unpleasant symptoms, such as heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, and in some cases, infertility. Myomectomy surgery is an effective treatment option for women dealing with this condition. This blog will discuss myomectomy surgery, exploring its definition, purpose, types, and potential complications.
What is a myomectomy surgery?
A myomectomy is a surgical procedure performed to remove uterine fibroids (leiomyomas) while preserving the woman’s uterus. Fibroids are non-cancerous growths made up of connective tissue and muscle cells, which can develop inside or on the uterus.
Unlike hysterectomy, which removes the uterus and cervix with fibroids, myomectomy allows women to retain their fertility and get pregnant in the future. Thus, it is an ideal option for women who wish to keep their uteruses for conception or other personal reasons.
What is the purpose of myomectomy surgery?
Your doctor may suggest myomectomy surgery if you have uterine fibroids that are causing symptoms, such as:
- Longer or heavy menstrual bleeding
- Bleeding irregularly or in between cycles
- Pelvic, abdominal, or lower back pain
- Cramps
- Anemia
- Pain during intercourse
- Constipation
- Inability to urinate
- Rectal pain or bowel obstruction
- Loss of pregnancy
- Infertility
- Expansion of the uterus and abdomen
What are the types of myomectomy surgery?
There are four different types of myomectomy surgeries, including:
- Abdominal Myomectomy
Abdominal myomectomy, also known as open myomectomy, is a traditional method that involves making an incision (cut) in your abdomen to access the uterus and remove fibroids. The incision may be vertical (up and down) or horizontal (across), depending on the size and location of the uterus.
Your doctor may recommend this method if you have larger or multiple fibroids. Similar to any other major surgery, you may need to stay one to three days in the hospital and require a recovery period of up to six weeks at home before you feel well.
- Laparoscopic Myomectomy
Laparoscopic myomectomy is a minimally invasive procedure that involves inserting a laparoscope (a thin tube with a camera) through the belly button and making small incisions in the abdomen to pass surgical instruments and remove fibroids.
Laparoscopic myomectomy is ideal for women with fewer fibroids on the outer uterine wall. It offers a quicker recovery period and less scarring compared to abdominal myomectomy.
- Hysteroscopic Myomectomy
Hysteroscopy myomectomy involves inserting a hysteroscope (a thin, lighted tube with a camera) through the vagina and cervix and into the uterus. The doctor then uses another specialized tool to remove or resect fibroids.
Your doctor may suggest this method only when you have fibroids beneath the inner lining of the uterine cavity. It doesn’t require any external incisions and has a quicker recovery period than others.
- Robotic Myomectomy
Robotic myomectomy utilizes robotic-assisted technology to remove fibroids. It involves making multiple small incisions in the abdomen, allowing robotic arms and other instruments to access the uterus and remove fibroids. The doctor may break larger fibroids into small pieces before removing them from the uterus, depending on the size of the fibroids.
This method is a better option when you have larger uterine fibroids. Since it is a minimally invasive procedure, it has low complication rates and offers quicker recovery.
What are the potential complications of myomectomy?
There are certain possible complications of myomectomy, including:
- Damage to the uterus or surrounding organs
- Incomplete fibroid removal
- Bleeding
- Blood accumulating in the uterus’s outer layer
- Infections
- Blood clots
- Anesthesia-related allergic responses
- Increased risk of requiring a C-section during delivery
It’s important to remember that these complications are rare, and your doctor will ensure to prevent them. However, if you have concerns or seek further information about myomectomy surgery, it is best to speak with your doctor for personalized guidance.
