Type of Surgery
Information
Last updated: 11/24/2009
BOOKS
Connolly, Anne Marie and William Droegemueller. "Leiomy omas" In Conn's Current Therapy 2003. Philadelphia: Elsevier Science, 2003.
Ludmir, Jack and Phillip G. Stubblefield. "Surgical Procedures in Pregnancy:...
Myomectomy" (Chapter 19). In Obstetrics: Normal & Problem Pregnancies. Philadelphia: Churchill Livingstone, 2002.
ORGANIZATIONS
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. 409 12th St., SW, P.O. Box 96920, Washington, DC 20090-6920.
Center for Uterine Fibroids, Brigham and Women's Hospital. 623 Thorn Building, 20 Shattuck Street, Boston, MA 02115. (800) 722-5520.
OTHER
de Candolle, G., and D. M. Walker. "Myomectomy."PracticalTraining and Research in Gynecologic Endoscopy. February 17, 2003 [cited March 13, 2003].
"High Efficacy Rate Shown in Minimally Invasive Treatment of Uterine Fibroids."Doctor's Guide. January 13, 2003 [cited March 14, 2003].
Indman, Paul D. "Myomectomy: Removal of Uterine Fibroids."All About Myomectomy. 2002 [cited March 14, 2003].
Toaff, Michael E. "Myomectomy."Alternatives to Hysterectomy Page [cited March 14, 2003].
"Uterine Fibroids: Disproportionate Number of Black Women with More, Larger Tumors." National Institute of Environmental Sciences. March 2001 [cited March 14, 2003].
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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, 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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