A myomectomy (myoma = fibroids, ectomy = removal) is a surgical procedure that removes uterine fibroids in women. This is the surgery of choice for women with symptomatic fibroids who do not want a hysterectomy. A keyhole-shaped technique (laparoscopically) or an open abdominal approach are also options for myomectomy (making a larger surgical incision in the abdomen).
Various myomectomy techniques are used to remove the fibroids from inside the uterus. The choice of method can depend on several factors, such as the location and size of the fibroids and the woman's general health. Various types of myomectomy include:
Book an appointment with a gynaecologist for a myomectomy surgery.
Laparoscopic myomectomy -It is done to remove fibroids in the uterus. This technique is done using a narrow telescope-like instrument to view the inside of the abdomen. The surgeon performs the surgery by making 4 to 5 incisions in the belly button and lower abdomen. Fibroids are shells outside the uterus that repair the incision of the uterus. Recovery time is around 2 to 3 weeks and requires an overnight stay. Complications such as bleeding, injury to internal organs, or minimal infection can occur during this procedure. Robot-assisted laparoscopy is also performed to remove fibroids, where the robotic system translates the movement of the surgeon's hand outside the patient's body and the precise surgical movements within the abdomen.
An abdominal myomectomy -Also, commonly known as a laparotomy, it is carried out through a vertical or horizontal incision in the abdominal wall. It allows the surgeon to access the patient's uterus directly and is performed using traditional surgical techniques and instruments. The patient is given general anaesthesia, and a full recovery is expected in 4 to 6 weeks.
Hysteroscopic myomectomy -This procedure removes the submucosal fibroma from the inner wall of the uterus. It is only done to remove smaller fibroids without any abdominal incision. A narrow telescope-like instrument is passed through the cervix to examine the uterus activity to begin the surgical procedure. In an operating room, it is performed under general anaesthesia. Some complications faced during this procedure include fluid overload, bleeding, scar formation within the uterus, and uterine perforation.
Laparoscopic myomectomy is an advanced laparoscopic treatment also called a robotic myomectomy. It is a surgical procedure to remove fibroids through small key hole incisions. This procedure is recommended when the woman wants the fibroids removed but wants to preserve the uterus. Uterine fibroids can cause difficulties such as pelvic discomfort or pressure, excessive menstrual flow, urine frequency, or incontinence, and fertility which can disrupt daily life.
Benefits of Laparascopic myomectomy
Laparoscopic myomectomy offers many advantages over open abdominal surgery, such as:
You may need to stop taking certain medications before your myomectomy. Tell your doctor about each medicine you take, including vitamins, supplements, and over-the-counter drugs. Ask your doctor which medications you will need to stop taking before surgery and how long you will need to stop taking them.
Smoking can slow down the healing process and increase the risk of cardiovascular problems during surgery. Ask your doctor for advice on how to quit smoking.
Before surgery, your doctor may prescribe medicine to shrink your fibroids and make them easier to remove.
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists, such as leuprolide (Lupron), are drugs that block the production of estrogen and progesterone. They will put you in temporary menopause, and your menstrual cycle will return once you stop using these drugs, and pregnancy should be feasible.
When you meet with your doctor for the procedure, be sure to ask any questions about the preparation and what to expect during the surgery.
You may need surgical tests to make sure you are healthy enough for surgery. Your doctor will choose which tests you require based on your risk factors. These may include:
You will stay in the hospital for 24 to 48 hours, depending on how well you recover. There will be some discomfort, especially when moving, but it will go away with pain-killer drugs. Light vaginal bleeding and shoulder pain may be present. You will be discharged from the hospital after 24 to 48 hours.
As per your doctor's advice, take pain relievers regularly for the first three days after discharge. Also get enough rest (8 hours at night, two hours during the day). You will be called at the end of the first week for a postoperative review and suture removal.
Gradually increase physical activities, and you should be able to return to work in four weeks.
Although laparoscopic myomectomy has few complications and risks involved, unique challenges maybe present in some cases. Some of the risks involved in the procedure include:
Medicover hospital has some of the top gynecologists, laparoscopic surgeons, and obstetricians who diagnose and treat fibroids with highly successful outcomes. Our facility is well-equipped with latest devices and technologies to perform myomectomy with highest level of precision and safety. We have successfully performed many of these surgeries and delivered excellent results even in complex cases.
Laparoscopic myomectomy can take two to four hours, depending on the number of fibroids and their size.
It may take 1 to 2 weeks for a full recovery. It is important not to lift anything heavy for about one week.
It can be done in a hospital or an outpatient surgical centre. You will likely be given general anaesthesia for this type of surgery, which will make you unconscious and not feel any pain.
