Treatment

Myomectomy

Overview

Myomectomy is a surgical procedure used to remove fibroids from the uterus. Fibroids are non cancerous growths that develop in the walls of the uterus and can cause symptoms like heavy bleeding, pelvic pain and pressure on the bladder or bowel. This surgery is commonly done to treat uterine fibroids while preserving the uterus making it an ideal option for women who want to maintain their fertility.

Why Myomectomy is required?

Myomectomy is recommended for women who experience symptoms related to uterine fibroids, such as:

• Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding
• Pelvic pain or pressure
• Frequent urination or difficulty emptying the bladder
• Infertility or pregnancy complications

Key Advantages of Myomectomy Treatment

• Preserves the Uterus: Unlike a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus), myomectomy removes only the fibroids, allowing you to keep your uterus.
• Fertility Preservation: For women who want to conceive, myomectomy helps in removing fibroids that may interfere with pregnancy.
• Reduced Risk of Recurrence: Myomectomy helps in reducing the growth of new fibroids compared to not undergoing treatment.
• Improved Quality of Life: By eliminating the symptoms caused by fibroids such as pain and heavy bleeding, myomectomy can significantly improve daily life.

How should you prepare yourself before taking Myomectomy Treatment?

Before undergoing a myomectomy surgery, it is important to follow the doctor’s instructions to ensure a successful procedure. Here is how you can prepare:

• Medical Evaluation: You will undergo a thorough examination including imaging tests like ultrasound or MRI to determine the size and location of the fibroids.
• Discuss Medications: Inform your doctor about any medications you are currently taking as some may need to be adjusted or stopped before surgery.
• Dietary Instructions: Follow the dietary instructions provided by your doctor which may include fasting before surgery.
• Plan for Recovery: Prepare for the recovery process including arranging for help at home after the surgery.

How Myomectomy Treatment is performed?

There are different ways to perform a myomectomy depending on the size, location and number of fibroids:

• Hysteroscopic Myomectomy: This is a minimally invasive procedure performed through the vagina. It is typically used for fibroids inside the uterine cavity.
• Laparoscopic Myomectomy: In this procedure small incisions are made in the abdomen and a camera is inserted to guide the removal of fibroids. It is a less invasive option compared to traditional open surgery.
• Abdominal Myomectomy: This involves a larger incision in the abdomen and is typically used for larger fibroids or when the fibroids are deeply embedded in the uterine wall.

What you can expect Before procedure, During procedure, and After procedure?

• Before Procedure:
• You will be given anesthesia to ensure you are comfortable during the surgery.
• The type of anesthesia will depend on the procedure chosen either general anesthesia or spinal anesthesia.
• During Procedure:
• Your surgeon will make the necessary incisions (either abdominal, laparoscopic or hysteroscopic) and carefully remove the fibroids.
• The surgery can take anywhere from 1 to 3 hours depending on the complexity and number of fibroids.
• After Procedure:
• You may need to stay in the hospital for 1–2 days for recovery depending on the type of surgery.
• Recovery time varies with laparoscopic surgeries usually allowing for a quicker return to normal activities while abdominal surgeries may require a longer recovery period (4-6 weeks).

Risk and Potential Complications

As with any surgery myomectomy carries some risks, such as:

• Infection: Like any surgical procedure there is a risk of infection in the incision sites.
• Heavy Bleeding: Sometimes the removal of fibroids can lead to excessive bleeding which may require a blood transfusion.
• Scarring: If the fibroids are deeply embedded there may be scarring of the uterine lining which could impact future fertility.
• Fibroid Recurrence: While myomectomy removes fibroids, new fibroids may develop in the future.
• Damage to Surrounding Organs: Rarely the surgery may cause damage to the bladder, bowel or other organs.

Results/Outcomes

• Relief from Symptoms: Most women experience significant relief from heavy bleeding, pelvic pain and pressure after the surgery.
• Improved Fertility: Many women see improvements in their ability to conceive as myomectomy removes fibroids that may have been blocking the uterus.
• Better Quality of Life: Removing fibroids often leads to a major improvement in overall health and well being with fewer disruptions in daily life.
• Risk of Recurrence: Although fibroids are removed, new ones can develop over time requiring follow up treatments.
• Preservation of Uterus: Since the uterus is kept intact you can still consider pregnancy after the surgery.