Possible Complications

What to Expect

Call Your Doctor

En Español

Myomectomy—Open Surgery

(Fibroid Tumor Removal; Uterine Fibroid Removal)

by Cynthia M. Johnson, MA

Definition

Myomectomy is the removal of fibroids from the wall of the uterus (womb). Fibroids are noncancerous tumors in the muscle of the uterus. An open surgery uses an incision large enough to remove the fibroids.

Uterine Fibroid

Reasons for Procedure

This procedure is done to relieve problems caused by fibroids without doing a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus). These problems can are:

Pelvic pain
Back pain
Pressure on the bladder
Abnormal vaginal bleeding
Heavy periods
Difficulty becoming pregnant
Discomfort during sex

Possible Complications

Problems are rare, but all procedures have some risk. The doctor will go over some problems that could happen, such as:

Excess bleeding
Problems from anesthesia, such as wheezing or sore throat
Infection
Blood clots
Recurrence of fibroids
Damage to other organs
Severe scarring, resulting in pain, bowel blockage, or infertility
Uterine wall weakness
Need for special care in pregnancy, such as the need to deliver by cesarean section

Things that may raise the risk of problems are:

Smoking
Drinking alcohol
Chronic diseases, such as diabetes or obesity

What to Expect

Prior to Procedure

The surgical team may meet with you to talk about:

Anesthesia options
Any allergies you may have
Current medicines, herbs, and supplements that you take and whether you need to stop taking them before surgery
Fasting before surgery, such as avoiding food or drink after midnight the night before
Whether you need a ride to and from surgery
Tests that will need to be done before surgery, such as images of the pelvic organs

Anesthesia

General anesthesia will be used. You will be asleep.

Description of the Procedure

An incision will be made in the lower abdomen. Muscles will be separated, and tissue will be cut to expose the uterus. Next, the fibroids will be removed. Each layer of tissue in the uterus will be stitched. The abdominal opening will be closed with stitches. A bandage will be placed over the area.

How Long Will It Take?

1 to 2 hours

Will It Hurt?

Pain, vaginal discharge, and bleeding are common in the first few days. Medicine and home care can help.

Average Hospital Stay

Most people can go home in 2 to 3 days. If there are any problems, you may need to stay longer.

Post-procedure Care

At the Hospital

Right after the procedure, the staff may:

Give you pain medicine
Encourage you to walk

During your stay, the hospital staff will take steps to lower your risk of infection, such as:

Washing their hands
Wearing gloves or masks
Keeping your incisions covered

There are also steps you can take to lower your risk of infection, such as:

Washing your hands often and reminding visitors and staff to do the same
Reminding staff to wear gloves or masks
Not letting others touch your incisions

At Home

It will take up to 6 weeks to fully heal. Physical activity will be limited during this time. Sex will need to be avoided. Ask for help with daily activities and delay your return to work.

Call Your Doctor

Call the doctor if you are not getting better or you have:

Signs of infection, such as fever and chills
Redness, swelling, excessive bleeding, or discharge from the incisions
Pain that you cannot control with the medicine you have been given
Vaginal bleeding that soaks more than one pad per hour
Foul smelling vaginal discharge
Swelling, redness, or pain in the legs
Pain, burning, urgency or frequency of urination, or lasting blood in the urine
New or worsening symptoms

If you think you are having an emergency, call for medical help right away.

RESOURCES:

American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
http://www.acog.org

Women's Health—US Department of Health and Human Services
http://www.womenshealth.gov

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Health Canada
https://www.canada.ca

Women's Health Matters
http://www.womenshealthmatters.ca

References:

Uterine fibroids. Society of Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology website. Available at: https://www.sirweb.org/patient-center/conditions-and-treatments/uterine-fibroids. Accessed August 25, 2021.

Uterine leiomyoma. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/uterine-leiomyoma. Accessed August 25, 2021.

Last reviewed July 2021 by EBSCO Medical Review BoardBeverly Siegal, MD, FACOG
Last Updated: 8/25/2021

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