Myomectomy

Fibroids are the non-cancerous or benign growths that usually develop in the uterus during reproductive years in women. They can occur at any age.

Gynecologists remove uterine fibroids from the uterus by preserving it intact – this procedure is known as myomectomy. It is a very effective procedure to treat uterine fibroids and preserve fertility of a woman. The procedure also helps in reducing heavy menstrual bleeding and pelvic pressure.

The goal of myomectomy is to remove fibroids and improve troublesome symptoms associated with fibroids. Heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain and pressure often interfere with the normal activities of a woman and impact her fertility.

Myomectomy is the best treatment option for women who want to preserve their fertility potential (who want to have children in the future).

An experienced gynecologist who specializes in the treatment of uterine fibroids, performs one of three surgical procedures to myomectomy. The selection of these procedures may depend on the size, number and location of fibroids.

Laparotomy or abdominal myomectomy – to remove fibroids, your gynecologist makes either horizontal or vertical incision to access the uterus. In most cases, a gynecologist usually prefers low horizontal incision to access uterus – open it and remove fibroids. However, for larger uteruses, the gynecologist makes vertical incisions.

Laparoscopic or robotic myomectomy

In minimally invasive procedures such as laparoscopic myomectomy or robotic myomectomy, an experienced gynecologist specializing in laparoscopic surgery accesses and removes uterine fibroids by making several small abdominal incisions.

Both these procedures offer excellent benefits in terms of lower rates of complications and adhesions formation post-surgery. The other benefits of these procedures include faster recovery, shorter hospital stay and less blood loss.

Robotic surgery is comparatively costly. Therefore, laparoscopic myomectomy is the best option to consider.

Hysteroscopic myomectomy

Hysteroscopic myomectomy involves removal of submucosal fibroids that bulge significantly into the uterus. Your gynecologist accesses these small fibroids and removes them using tube-like instruments inserted into the vagina and cervix – and then approaching the uterus.

The procedure of hysteroscopic myomectomy involves the following process – Your gynecologist inserts a small tube-like hysteroscope through vagina to access the uterus. She uses either a hysteroscopic morcellator to cut the tissue manually using a blade or a wire loop resectoscope to cut tissue using electricity.

Can fibroids regrow after myomectomy?

Yes, fibroids can regrow after myomectomy.