Myomectomy Q & A

What is a myomectomy?

A myomectomy is fibroid removal surgery. This procedure eliminates your fibroids but leaves your uterus intact, allowing you to retain fertility after the myomectomy.

There are three main options in myomectomy procedures: laparoscopic myomectomy, hysteroscopic myomectomy, and open myomectomy. Your doctor determines the right type of myomectomy for you based on your specific symptoms and needs.

How does a myomectomy work?

Laparoscopic myomectomy is minimally invasive. Your OB/GYN creates several small incisions around your navel, and then uses a laparoscope with a miniature camera to view your uterus on a monitor nearby. Your doctor then places specialized instruments through the incisions to remove the fibroid tissue in pieces. This surgery is often the best option for small fibroids.

In a hysteroscopic myomectomy, your OB/GYN places a hysteroscope into your vagina and removes the fibroid tissue through your vaginal canal. Typically, this type of myomectomy doesn’t require incisions. This may be the ideal option for smaller fibroids on the inside of your uterus.

In an open myomectomy, your doctor creates a single large incision in your lower abdomen and then removes fibroids through that incision. This may be the preferred option for large fibroids or large groups of fibroids.

Will my fibroids grow back after myomectomy?

It’s possible that your fibroids could return following your myomectomy. However, the myomectomy can provide fibroid symptom relief for a long time in most patients.

Can I still have a baby after a myomectomy?

Yes, you can. In fact, that’s one of the major advantages of a myomectomy versus uterus removal (a hysterectomy). If you want to have a child, your doctor may encourage you to start trying to conceive as soon as you’re healed. This gives you the best chance of conception before the fibroids possibly grow back.

What is recovery after myomectomy like?

Your Unified Premier Women’s Care OB/GYN performs your surgery at WellStar Kennestone Hospital in Marietta, Georgia. With a laparoscopic or hysteroscopic myomectomy, you may go home that day. With open surgery, you may need to stay in the hospital overnight.

Total recovery time can vary, ranging from less than a week to several weeks or more depending on which type of surgery you had and how much fibroid tissue your doctor removed.

To learn more about myomectomy, call the office today.