Myomectomy, otherwise referred to as fibroidectomy, involves the surgical elimination of uterine fibroids, also commonly known as fibroids or myomas. Unlike a hysterectomy which eliminates the uterus, a myomectomy removes only the fibroid tissue. This treatment has proven very effective in treating aromas which are resistant to conventional treatments.
The procedure is performed through small incisions in the abdomen. Small, thin titanium or platinum screws are used to anchor the fabric-like leiomyosarcoma and pectoral muscles to the muscle layer beneath the skin. The surgeon then closes the incisions with sutures or stitches and may leave the abdomen for a few days to recover. During this time, blood clots may collect under the skin, but they will eventually clear up. Recovery from a myomectomy usually takes two weeks, although some physicians choose to give their patients a longer or less extensive recovery period.
Myomectomy may be performed to treat tumors in the uterine lining (tubal tumors, adenocarcinomas) or the ovaries (endometrial cancer). Although the procedure can be used to remove large, abnormal cysts (cystadenomas), it has proved most effective in fibroid removal and hysterectomies for larger areas of the uterus. Physicians sometimes combine the procedure with a hysterectomegmentation procedure (removal of the fibroids from the uterus). If the doctor detects that the number of fibroids in the uterine wall is dangerously high, she may perform both procedures simultaneously.
Anaesthesia is not required in Myomectomy
Patients commonly choose myomectomy for fibroids in the uterine wall or in the ovaries because the procedure does not require any anesthetic or general anesthetic. Therefore, women who might need general anesthesia for surgery, such as those undergoing gynecological or reproductive surgery, can get this treatment without fear of complications. Myomectomy can also be performed if a woman is at high risk for infection because her immune system is so low. Women who might need the procedure to prevent infections from forming, which could cause an ectopic pregnancy, would benefit from a myomectomy.
Myomectomy requires smaller incisions than the typical surgical incision; therefore, the recovery period is shorter. In addition, since a small incision is made, there are less scarring and scar tissue buildup. Patients recover from myomectomy quickly because the surgery involves only one small incision, compared to two or more traditional surgeries. In addition, because no general anesthetic is needed, patients do not have to worry about general anesthesia or the risks associated with it.
Myomectomy is most effective for women who have fibroid tumors that are situated close to the muscles or vessels of the reproductive organs. Myomectomy is also recommended in cases where the tumors are in close proximity to blood vessels in the abdominal cavity. Myomectomy can even be recommended for women who do not respond well to the traditional forms of treatment.
Myomectomy is the only solution for women who are experiencing chronic pain caused by uterine fibroid tumors, permanent obstruction of the reproductive organs such as the fallopian tubes, pain caused by ruptured cysts, difficulty in achieving and sustaining an erection, pain during intercourse or menopausal symptoms. The procedure can also be recommended if symptoms such as bowel or bladder problems, irregular menstrual periods, excessive hair growth on the chest or face, and back or leg pain are present.
Women who want to increase their chances of conception or have a child after a few years of regular fertility medication may consider undergoing a myomectomy. A hysterectomy is often recommended for older women whose only option for increasing fertility is through in vitro fertilization (IVF) with the help of donor eggs or sperm. However, since the procedure is more complex and expensive than IVF, often it is performed on older patients who have limited or no fertility remaining.
A common complication of myomectomy or other types of surgical procedures is excessive bleeding or heavy periods after the operation. This usually occurs in the first three days after the myomectomy. Heavy menstrual periods are caused by the heavy menstrual bleeding caused by the removal of the sac containing the myoma. In some cases, excessive bleeding can last several months, which may require another surgery.