What is myomectomy (uterine fibroid removal surgery)?
Uterine fibroids — also known as myomas — can be removed with a myomectomy. This surgical technique treats fibroid symptoms and improves fertility outcomes while leaving the uterus intact.
With our minimally-invasive laparoscopic myomectomy procedure, we can relieve your fibroid symptoms and have you back on your feet with minimal pain and scarring and extremely decreased recovery time.
What conditions can a myomectomy treat?
A myomectomy removes uterine fibroids and relieves their symptoms. A myomectomy can treat the following symptoms of uterine fibroids:
- anemia
- abnormal uterine bleeding
- menorrhagia (heavy menstrual bleeding)
- pelvic pain and pressure that cannot be managed with medication
- infertility or recurring miscarriages
Unlike a hysterectomy, a myomectomy leaves the uterus intact, making it a popular choice among patients who still wish to get pregnant.
Can a myomectomy treat all types of fibroids?
Uterine fibroids (leiomyomas) are smooth, benign tumors that grow in the uterus. The type of fibroid depends on where in the uterus it forms.
Intramural fibroids
The most common type of fibroid, intramural fibroids grow in the muscular wall of the uterus. These growths can become very large and stretch your uterus.
Subserosal fibroids
These fibroids grow on the outside of the uterus. Large subserosal fibroids can make your uterus look bigger on one side in addition to causing pelvic pain, increased urinary frequency, and constipation.
Pedunculated fibroids
Technically a type of subserosal fibroid, these also grow on the outside of the uterus. However, they form a slender stem that supports them.
Submucosal fibroids
Less common, submucous fibroids (also called intracavitary fibroids because they grow inside the uterine cavity) develop in the middle muscle layer of the uterus.
How are myomectomy surgeries performed?
A myomectomy can be performed in one of three ways. The method your surgeon chooses may depend on the number, size, and location of your myomas. For surgery, you will be under general anesthesia or otherwise sedated for your comfort.
Abdominal myomectomy
The most invasive type of surgery, your gynecologist or surgeon makes a large incision in the abdominal wall. This provides a clear view of your pelvic organs and allows the surgeon to remove the tissue through the incision. It is the best choice of procedure for removing large fibroids, more than two fibroids, or fibroids that are deeply embedded in the uterine wall.
Laparoscopic myomectomy
A less invasive treatment option, laparoscopy is performed through several small incisions in the abdomen. The surgeon inserts a thin, flexible laparoscope into an incision and views the organs through a special lens at the end of the instrument. Laparoscopy is typically used when there are only one or two fibroids to be removed, and only if they are less than 2 inches in diameter.
Too few surgeons perform this outpatient procedure. However, Dr. Aliabadi specializes in minimally-invasive laparoscopic surgery and can safely remove fibroids of almost any size with this procedure. For more information about our advanced outpatient surgical procedures, please visit our Outpatient Hysterectomy Center website.
Hysteroscopic myomectomy
Hysteroscopic surgery is performed through the vagina and cervix. After cervical dilatation, the doctor inserts a hysteroscope to view the inside of the uterus. Operative hysteroscopy is primarily used for submucous myomas that grow inside the uterine cavity.
A wire loop resectoscope cuts the fibroid with electricity and the surgeon then removes it through the vagina.
What are myomectomy risks?
All surgical procedures carry some risk. Your doctor will explain the risks to you and take every precaution during surgery. Risks of myomectomy include:
- damage to pelvic tissue (uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, bladder, bowels)
- scar tissue (adhesions) that may cause pain or infertility
- scarring that may rupture during pregnancy or childbirth
- infection of the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or uterus
- intraoperative blood loss or heavy bleeding
What is myomectomy surgery recovery time?
Your recovery from a myomectomy depends on the type of surgery you have had. For the best recovery outcome, attend all follow-up appointments and contact your OB/GYN with any problems or concerns.
- Abdominal — 1-3 days in the hospital, 4-6 weeks recovery
- Laparoscopy — 0-1 day in the hospital, 1-2 weeks recovery
- Hysteroscopy — No hospital stay, 3-14 days recovery
It’s relatively common for fibroids to return even after a myomectomy. Experts estimate that between 1-5 out of every 10 women who have a myomectomy will experience reoccurring uterine fibroids. If you had multiple or large fibroids, you are more likely to have more uterine fibroids return.
Can I have a successful pregnancy after myomectomy?
Patients who have a myomectomy in order to improve their chances of having a baby should try to get pregnant soon after the surgery. This is because as time passes, the odds of fibroids re-developing are higher.
If you get pregnant following a myomectomy, there’s a slightly increased risk of complications involving the placenta — such as placenta abruption or placenta accreta. Additionally, your doctor may recommend delivery via Cesarean section, depending on the size and location of the surgical site and how likely it is that your surgical scars will affect labor.
Have more questions about myomectomy surgery? Make an appointment with Dr. Aliabadi — LA’s best myomectomy surgeon
As one of the nation’s leading OB/GYNs, Dr. Thaïs Aliabadi offers the very best in women’s health and well-being. With her warm, professional team, Dr. Aliabadi supports women from puberty to pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, and beyond. She fosters a special one-on-one relationship between patient and doctor.
Highly trained and honored by the medical community, Dr. Thais Aliabadi is certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and a Diplomat of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. She implements the most advanced, state-of-the-art technology and treatment options.
Dr. Aliabadi specializes in up-to-date, minimally invasive surgical techniques for fibroids, polyps, and endometriosis, promising her patients shorter recovery times, reduced pain, and the least interruption to their daily lives.
We also invite you to establish care with Dr. Aliabadi. Please make an appointment online or call us at (844) 863-6700 for general inquiries.
If you are suffering from uterine fibroids or have any questions about it please talk to your doctor to learn more about treatment options.
We also invite you to establish care with Dr. Aliabadi. Please click here to make an appointment or call us at (844) 863- 6700.
References
Wamsteker K, Emanuel MH, de Kruif JH. Transcervical hysteroscopic resection of submucous fibroids for abnormal uterine bleeding: results regarding the degree of intramural extension. Obstet Gynecol 1993; 82:736.
Supported by her warm professional team, Dr. Aliabadi treats women through all phases of life and cherishes the special one-on-one relationship between patient and doctor.