What is a myomectomy?
A myomectomy removes uterine fibroids that are causing heavy bleeding, pain, pressure, or trouble conceiving, while leaving the uterus in place. Performed laparoscopically, sometimes with robotic assistance, it uses a few small incisions instead of one large one.
Many fibroids cause no symptoms and never need treatment. We start by confirming that your fibroids are actually the cause of what you are feeling.
Who may benefit
Women whose fibroids cause heavy or prolonged periods, pelvic pain or pressure, or fertility concerns, and who want to keep their uterus. Not every fibroid needs to be removed.
Before surgery
We use ultrasound, and sometimes MRI, to map the number, size, and location of your fibroids, and we talk through your goals. Treating anemia or heavy bleeding beforehand may be part of the plan.
During surgery
Under general anesthesia, the surgeon removes the fibroids through small incisions and repairs the wall of the uterus carefully in layers. The fibroids are then removed from the body.
Recovery
Recovery is generally faster than after open surgery, and many patients go home the same day. Your surgeon will guide your return to activity and follow up with you.
If you hope to conceive
Your surgeon will advise how long to wait before trying to conceive. Depending on how deep the fibroids were, a future delivery plan may be recommended to protect the uterine scar.
Risks to know
Bleeding, infection, scar tissue, injury to nearby organs, and anesthesia risks are possible. Fibroids can grow back, and in rare cases surgery needs to be converted to a larger incision or a hysterectomy.
Why we offer it
Treating fibroids is not one-size-fits-all. We confirm that they are the cause, then offer the best option that fits your goals, whether that is medical management, hysteroscopic removal for fibroids inside the uterine cavity, or laparoscopic myomectomy.
