Type of Surgery
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Last updated: 11/24/2009
Uterine fibroids are more common among African-American women than among women of other ethnicities.
Fibroids affect 20–40% of all women over the age of 35, and 50% of African-American women. A 2001 study by the National...
Institute of Environmental Health Sciences found that the incidence of fibroids among African-American women in their late 40s was as high as 80%, while approximately 70% of white women of that age were diagnosed as having fibroids. Women who are obese, are older, or started menstruating at an early age are also at an increased risk of developing uterine fibroids. Another study published in 2003 indicated that women with less education were more likely to have a hysterectomy performed to treat fibroids, instead of a less-invasive procedure such as myomectomy.
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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.)
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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 .
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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
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