Myomectomy
Myomectomy
A myomectomy is a surgical procedure that removes symptom-causing uterine fibroids – common non-cancerous growths in the uterus. A myomectomy differs from a hysterectomy since it keeps the uterus intact and aims to remove just the growth, while a hysterectomy removes the entire uterus.
Types of Myomectomy
Hysteroscopic Myomectomy
It is the least minimally invasive surgery to extract uterine fibroids. A hysteroscope, which is a rigid scope with an operative element, is inserted into the uterus through the cervix and vagina. The hydroscope removes the fibroid without incisions and offers the fastest recovery among the three methods.
The patient is either under general anaesthesia or mild sedation. Hospitalisation is not required since the procedure is completed within 90 minutes, and the recovery takes 48 hours.
The disadvantage of hysteroscopic myomectomy is that it can only be performed on select candidates who fulfil certain conditions. To be eligible for the procedure, the fibroids should be smaller than 4 centimetres, submucosal and not be deep in the uterine wall.
Risks and Benefits of the Surgery
There are little to no risks involved in the procedure, and it has several benefits, such as zero incisions, no scarring and the quickest recovery time.
ELaparoscopic Myomectomy
It is a minimally invasive surgery that lets surgeons use a laparoscope that is inserted into the body via four small incisions made into the abdomen. The laparoscopy has a light and camera, allowing surgical instruments to be inserted into the body while the surgeons operate by looking at the surgery on the video monitor.
Another version of the same is a robotic-assisted surgery where the surgeons use a robotic arm to navigate and remove complicated fibroids deep in the uterine wall.
The patient is under general anaesthesia, and the surgery takes 3 to 4 hours. The recovery is much quicker as the patient returns to their routine in only two to three weeks.
Risks and Benefits of the Surgery
Laparoscopic myomectomy takes longer compared to abdominal myomectomy but carries fewer risks which include an increased chance of uterine rupture during pregnancy and labour, leading to patients who have undergone this procedure requiring a C-section for delivery.
Laparoscopic myomectomy has larger surgical benefits, such as less bleeding, low blood transfusion requirement, decreased adhesion risk, faster recovery, and minimal pain.
Abdominal Myomectomy
It is an invasive surgery where a horizontal incision is made in the abdominal wall on the lower belly. A vertical incision can also be made in case of a scar from previous surgery or a large uterus. The surgeons then locate and remove the fibroids. The entire procedure can take 2 to 3 hours.
The surgery requires general anaesthesia and a day or two of hospitalisation. Recovery time can extend from four to six weeks.
Risks and Benefits of the Surgery
Abdominal myomectomy is riskier than other types of myomectomies. Common risks include scarring, excessive bleeding, long recovery, pain and infection. The doctor might recommend this type of surgery depending on the size and number of fibroids and if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Benefits of abdominal myomectomy include quicker surgery and much better access to the fibroids for the surgeons.
How Does a Myomectomy Help?
A myomectomy is a great option for those who plan to conceive, want to keep their uterus or have the doctor’s suggestion with the uterine fibroids interfering with their fertility.
Benefits of a myomectomy include:
- Lower menstrual flow
- Little to no intermenstrual bleeding
- Decreased iron deficiency due to less blood loss
- Reduced pelvic pain and pressure
- Eliminating chances of miscarriage
- Reduction in serious health complications such as fatal blood clots
Myomectomy at Vizag IVF Centre
Reach out to the surgical experts at Vizag IVF Centre for an accurate consultation if you are considering a myomectomy. Vizag IVF Centre will make your healthcare journey easy and painless using world-class surgical techniques and minimally invasive instruments. With top-notch after-surgery patient care, you can expect to return to your daily life at the earliest. Our centres are located in Visakhapatnam, Gajuwaka, Vizianagaram, & Srikakulam.
