What Is a Myomectomy?

Myomectomy is the surgical removal of uterine fibroids while leaving the uterus in place. Because a woman keeps her uterus, she may still be able to have children. If a woman does become pregnant after a myomectomy, the baby may need to be delivered by cesarean birth. Fibroids do not regrow after surgery, but new fibroids may develop. If they do, more surgery may be needed. Many surgeons still perform this surgery via open abdominal surgery, but the surgeons at Women’s Health and Surgery Center perform the procedure using a laparoscope – achieving better results for the patient.

Uterine fibroids are benign (not cancer) growths in the uterus. They are the most common type of growth found in a woman’s pelvis. In some women, fibroids remain small and do not cause symptoms or problems. However, in some women, fibroids can cause problems because of their size, number, and location.

Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids

  • Changes in menstruation
    • Longer, more frequent, or painful periods
    • Menstrual pain or cramps
    • Vaginal bleeding at times other than menstruation
    • Anemia from blood loss
  • Pain
    • In the abdomen or lower back
    • During sex
  • Pressure
    • Constipation, rectal pain, or difficult bowel movements
    • Difficulty urinating or frequent urination
    • Abdominal cramps
  • Enlarged uterus and abdomen
  • Miscarriages
  • Infertility

Differences between an abdominal myomectomy and laparoscopic myomectomy:

  • Less blood loss
  • Quicker recovery
  • Less pain
  • Less chance for scarring and adhesions