Definition

This surgery involves removing fibroids from the wall of the uterus (womb). An open surgery requires an incision large enough to remove the fibroid. Fibroids are noncancerous tumors in the muscle of the uterus.

Uterine Fibroid Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Reasons for Procedure

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

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

The symptoms caused by fibroids are often successfully controlled with this procedure. This may include a return to a normal menstrual cycle and the ability to become pregnant.

Possible Complications

Complications are rare, but no procedure is completely free of risk. If you are planning to have a myomectomy, your doctor will review a list of possible complications, which may include:

• Bleeding
• Surgical wound infection
• Recurrence of fibroids
• Damage to other organs
• Wall of the uterus may be weakened if a large fibroid is removed
• Reactions to anesthesia
• Need for special precautions in pregnancy, such as the need to deliver by cesarean section
• Pelvic adhesions that can cause pain and/or bowel blockage
• Problems found during surgery that make removal of the uterus necessary
• Severe scarring, resulting in infertility

Factors that may increase the risk of complications include:

• Smoking
• Alcohol abuse or drug use
• Obesity
• Chronic or recent illness
• Use of certain prescription medications
• Diabetes

Be sure to discuss these risks with your doctor before the procedure.

What to Expect

Call Your Doctor

After you leave the hospital, contact your doctor if any of the following occur:

• Signs of infection, including fever and chills
• Redness, swelling, increasing pain, excessive bleeding, or discharge from the incision site
• Excessive vaginal bleeding (soaking more than one pad per hour) after the procedure
• Excessive vaginal discharge that continues beyond one month after the procedure
• Vaginal discharge has a foul odor
• Severe abdominal pain
• Headaches, muscle aches, lightheadedness, or general ill feeling
• Nausea and vomiting
• Constipation
• Pain and/or swelling in one or both legs
• Cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain
• Pain, burning, urgency or frequency of urination, or persistent blood in the urine
• New, unexplained symptoms
• Fibroid symptoms return after the procedure

If you think you have an emergency, call for emergency medical services right away.