Type of Surgery
Information
Last updated: 11/24/2009
Patients may need four to six weeks of recovery following a standard myomectomy before they can return to normal activities. Women who have had laparoscopic or hysteroscopic myomectomies, however, can usually recover completely within one to three...
weeks.
Advertisement
Uterine fibroids are a common cause of pain, abnormal bleeding and problems with fertility in women. Traditionally uterine fibroids are removed through the abdomen; however in some cases, skin incisions can be avoided if the uterine fibroids can be removed through the vagina, as discussed in this narrated animation. The removal of uterine fibroids is called a myomectomy.
Uterine fibroids can occur within the uterine cavity, in the mucous layer, or in the muscle (A). To remove them by myomectomy, an incision is made into the woman's lower abdomen (B). An incision is made in the uterus over the tumor (C), and it is removed (D). (Illustration by GGS Inc.)
Search
Other Information
Myomectomy refers to the surgical removal of uterine fibroids, also known as myomas. In contrast to a hysterectomy the uterus remains preserved and the woman retains her reproductive potential.
The presence of a fibroid does not mean that it needs to be removed. Removal is called for when the fibroid causes pain, abnormal bleeding, or pressure.
A myomectomy can be performed in a number of ways, depending on the location and number of lesions and the experience of the surgeon. Typically a myomectomy is performed via a laparotomy, the uterus incised, and the lesion(s) removed. A fibroid that is located in a submucous position may be accessible to hysteroscopic removal. In some instances also laparoscopy can be utilized to extirpate fibroids.
Complications of the surgery include the possibility of significant blood loss leading to a blood transfusion, the risk of adhesion or scar formation around the uterus, and the possible need later to deliver via cesarean section. Development of new fibroids will be seen in 42-55% of patients undergoing a myomectomy .
Other Information
An obstetrician/gynecologist, commonly abbreviated as OB/GYN, can serve as a primary physician and often serve as consultants to other physicians.
From: womenshealthchannel.com
Find a Qualified Specialist
Looking for a specialist?
Please enter your zip code.