Myomectomy is a procedure wherein fibroids are removed, and the uterus is untouched. It can be an excellent treatment option for women with fibroid symptoms who wish to have children in the future. Although it is an effective method, fibroids may reoccur. If the patient is young and has multiple fibroids, they may be more susceptible to developing them again. Women approaching menopause have the minimum possibility of experiencing recurring fibroid issues after a myomectomy.
Types of myomectomies
A doctor may perform the procedure differently, depending on the number of fibroid growths, location, and size. A myomectomy can be categorized into three types:
Abdominal
The doctor may recommend an abdominal myomectomy when the fibroids are massive, more in number, or located deep into the uterus. A person will be put under general anesthesia. As part of this, the surgeon will cut the lower abdomen and remove the fibroids. Finally, they sew the uterine muscle back together. A person undergoing this method will likely stay in the hospital for two nights, with recovery expected to be between four and six weeks. If a woman wishes to get pregnant in the future, she will have to schedule a C-section to avoid the chances of the uterus opening up during labor.
Hysteroscopic
When the fibroids are inside the uterus lining, the doctor can remove them with this procedure. They will employ a hysteroscope, a thin telescope fitted with a resectoscope. It allows them to see the fibroids and remove them with high-frequency electrical current. A person can go home after a few hours of recovery. There are barely any complications associated with this type of myomectomy. This procedure will also depend on the number of fibroids and their size and type.
Laparoscopic
As part of this procedure, the surgeon will make tiny cuts in the abdomen to employ tools to eliminate the fibroids.
When is a myomectomy recommended
The doctor may suggest this surgical procedure if the person has uterine fibroids that can result in the following symptoms:
- Inability to fully empty the bladder
- Heavy bleeding during periods, sometimes with blood clots
- Bleeding between periods
- Irregular bleeding
- Pelvic pain, especially during periods
- Infertility or subfertility
- Pregnancy problems
- Constipation
- Frequent urination
Studies suggest that usually women with fibroids may not experience any symptoms. But if they do, doctors opt for nonsurgical treatment options. However, they will recommend a myomectomy if these methods fail to alleviate the symptoms.
Alternative treatment options for fibroids
Uterine fibroids are a common occurrence. Statistics indicate that 1 in 5 women may experience the condition. The treatment will predominantly depend on factors like:
- The number of fibroids, location, and size
- Symptoms
- Preferences – whether one wishes to become pregnant in the future.
But surgery is not the only treatment option. Doctors may prescribe some therapies to shrink the size of the fibroids and combat the symptoms. Furthermore, options like radiofrequency ablation and uterine artery embolization are also effective. The doctor will suggest a treatment plan based on the patient’s preferences and health history.
What is recovery like?
Naturally, one will experience some pain after the surgery, but doctors may prescribe some options to ease the discomfort. Additionally, one may see some spotting for a few weeks or days. But resuming one’s usual activities will depend on the type of procedure they underwent. Open surgeries generally have a longer recovery period. Here is an approximate timeframe for recovery for every procedure:
- Hysteroscopic – 2-3 days
- Laparoscopic – 2-4 weeks
- Abdominal – 4-6 weeks
During recovery, one must not exercise strenuously or lift anything heavy until their incisions heal completely. It’s best to speak with the doctor to know by when one can resume these activities. Physicians may also advise waiting for at least three to six months before trying for pregnancy. One should give their body sufficient time to heal from a myomectomy.
