Type of Surgery
Information
Last updated: 11/24/2009
Removal of uterine fibroids will usually improve any side effects that the patient may have been suffering from, including abnormal bleeding and pain. Under normal circumstances, a woman who has had a myomectomy will be able to become pregnant, although...
she may have to deliver via cesarean section if the uterine wall has been weakened.
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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 .
Other Information
an obstetrician/gynecologist is a physician specialist who provides medical and surgical care to women and has particular expertise in pregnancy, childbirth, and disorders of the reproductive system.
From: womenshealthchannel.com
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