Myomectomy

What is myomectomy?

Myomectomy is a surgical procedure specially designed to remove uterine fibroids. It allows the uterus to be left in place, and for some women, it increases the chances of pregnancy. Uterine fibroids are growths that occur in the uterus. During a myomectomy, your surgeon will remove any fibroids that are causing uncomfortable symptoms and then rebuild the uterus. Myomectomy is mostly indicated for women who still want to have children.

Do I need a myomectomy?

Your gynaecologist may recommend the procedure if you have fibroids that are causing discomfort and pain, heavy or irregular periods, frequent urination and if they are interfering with your day-to-day life. Your gynaecologist may recommend myomectomy rather than a hysterectomy if you would like to plan a pregnancy, if you would prefer to keep your uterus intact and if there is a chance that your fibroids are negatively impacting your fertility.

How does it work?

When it comes to performing the procedure, there are a number of options available. These include:

• Abdominal myomectomy
  An abdominal myomectomy is done under general anaesthesia. The surgeon will make an incision in the abdomen so that your surgeon has access to the uterus and can remove the fibroids. He/she will then stitch the uterine muscle layers back together.
• Laparoscopic myomectomy
  Laparoscopic myomectomy is done under general anaesthesia. The surgeon will make keyhole incisions in the lower abdomen and inflate the carbon dioxide gas to allow room to perform the procedure. The surgeon will remove the fibroids through the incisions with the use of small surgical instruments. Laparoscopic myomectomy is indicated for smaller fibroids. If the fibroids are too large, the surgeon may recommend an abdominal myomectomy and make a larger incision in the abdomen.
• Hysteroscopic myomectomy
  This type of myomectomy is done under local or general anaesthetic. The surgeon removes fibroids by inserting surgical instruments through the vagina and cervix into the uterus.