Myomectomy

Myomectomy is a surgical procedure used to remove uterine fibroids, or benign growths within the uterus. Fibroids, typically composed of muscle cells or other uterine tissue, grow inside (and occasionally outside) the uterine wall. Fibroids are quite common in women of childbearing age; between 20% and 80% of women develop them at some point.

Symptoms

Some fibroids are tiny, but others may grow to 8 inches or more in diameter. Often, fibroids never cause a problem, but sometimes they can lead to excessive bleeding and abdominal pain. Depending on where a fibroid is located, it can also make it hard to become pregnant.

In addition to pain and bleeding, signs and symptoms of fibroids include:

Anemia
Frequent urination
Pain during intercourse

Women Planning to Become Pregnant

Even if fibroids are not highly symptomatic, women may be advised to have them removed if they’re planning to become pregnant, due to possible complications of pregnancy. Fibroids are associated with the need for:

Caesarean section
Breech positioning
Placental abruption (the placenta breaking away from the uterine wall)
Early delivery
Failure of labor to progress

Myomectomy, while not a complete solution for fibroids, is a popular treatment that spares fertility.

What to Expect

During a myomectomy, the physician removes fibroids while leaving healthy tissue in place. Several approaches can be used to perform myomectomy, depending on the location of the fibroids.

Hysteroscopy

In a minimally invasive surgery known as hysteroscopy, the surgeon inserts a laparoscope (long, thin tube containing a camera) into the uterus through the cervix and vagina. The doctor inserts small cutting tools to detach the fibroids, and removes them via the vagina.

Laparoscopy

In laparoscopy, the surgeon makes a tiny cut in the woman’s abdomen. Then, as in hysteroscopy, he or she inserts a laparoscope to view the surgical area. Working through a second tiny cut, the surgeon introduces small instrumentation into the woman’s body and detaches the fibroids, removing them through the incision.

Like hysteroscopy, this is a minimally invasive procedure that leaves little scarring and has a relatively short recovery time.

Laparotomy

In laparotomy, the surgeon makes a larger cut in the woman’s abdomen and removes the fibroids. This procedure may involve a slightly longer recovery time.

Robotic-Assisted Myopathy

Robotic-assisted myopathy is another form of minimally invasive surgery. During this procedure, the doctor inserts a miniature camera and instruments through small incisions in the body and then uses a robotic controller to maneuver the instruments.

With a greater field of vision — thanks to the internal camera — and greater precision, this type of procedure may reduce hospital stay and recovery time.

Why Temple Health for Myomectomy

For women who struggle with symptoms of fibroids — abdominal pain, excessive menstrual bleeding and difficulty getting pregnant — Temple OB/GYN & Reproductive Endocrinology provides an excellent resource for obtaining an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. Temple Health’s gynecologic surgeons are specially trained in gynecologic laparoscopic surgery, and they have the experience to recognize and deal with many types of uterine conditions, including offering fertility-sparing options whenever possible.

It’s especially important to have fibroid symptoms checked out at an academic medical hub such as Temple Health, because similar symptoms can indicate more severe gynecologic problems, including cervical or uterine cancer.

Temple Health is a leader in the Philadelphia area and beyond in the reduction and removal of uterine fibroids. Physicians who provide myomectomy can be found throughout the area. Minimally invasive surgery, including robot-assisted surgery, is available there for many conditions.

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Find a doctor near you, request an appointment, or call 800-TEMPLE-MED (800-836-7536) today.