Myomectomy—Open Surgery
(Fibroid Tumor Removal; Uterine Fibroid Removal)
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 FibroidCopyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc. |
Reasons for Procedure TOP
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 TOP
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:
What to Expect TOP
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 TOP
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? TOP
1 to 2 hours
Will It Hurt? TOP
Pain, vaginal discharge, and bleeding are common in the first few days. Medicine and home care can help.
Average Hospital Stay TOP
Most people can go home in 2 to 3 days. If there are any problems, you may need to stay longer.
Post-procedure Care TOP
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 TOP
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