This surgery involves removing fibroids from the wall of the uterus (womb). Fibroids are noncancerous tumors in the muscle of the uterus.
Myomectomy is done to relieve problems caused by fibroids without doing a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus). These problems can include:
The symptoms caused by fibroids are often successfully controlled with this procedure. This may include a return to a normal menstrual cycle and the ability to become pregnant.
Complications are rare, but no procedure is completely free of risk. If you are planning to have a myomectomy, your doctor will review a list of possible complications, which may include:
Factors that may increase the risk of complications include:
Be sure to discuss these risks with your doctor before the procedure.
Your doctor may do the following:
You should discuss with your doctor:
Leading up to your procedure:
General anesthesia is used most often. It will block any pain and keep you asleep through the surgery. It is given through an IV in your hand or arm.
The doctor will make an incision in the lower abdomen. Muscles will be separated, and tissue will be cut to expose the uterus. Next, the doctor will remove the fibroids. In some cases, you will be given a drug called Pitressin before the fibroid is removed. This drug will reduce the amount of blood loss.
After removing the fibroids, the doctor will stitch each layer of tissue in the uterus. This will prevent blood clots, excess bleeding, and infection. Lastly, the doctor will use stitches to close the incision area.
After the procedure, you will be:
1-2 hours
You will have abdominal pain and discomfort for 7-10 days. Your doctor will give you pain medicine to help control the pain.
2-3 days
Full recovery will take about 4-6 weeks. When you return home, do the following to help ensure a smooth recovery:
After you leave the hospital, contact your doctor if any of the following occurs:
In case of an emergency, CALL 911 .
RESOURCES:
The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
http://www.acog.org/publications/patient_education/
National Uterine Fibroids Foundation
http://www.nuff.org/
Women's Health.gov
http://www.womenshealth.gov/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Health Canada
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/index_e.html/
Women's Health Matters
http://www.womenshealthmatters.ca/
References:
Myomectomy. Duke University Medical Center Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility website. Available at: http://www.dukehealth.org/Services/Fertility/Programs/Surgery/Myomectomy?search_highlight=myomectomy . Accessed June 1, 2008.
Uterine fibroid treatment options. Society of Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology website. Available at: http://www.sirweb.org/patPub/uterineTreatments.shtml#my . Accessed June 1, 2008.
Last reviewed October 2009 by Ganson Purcell Jr., MD, FACOG, FACPE
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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