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. |
This procedure is done to relieve problems caused by fibroids without doing a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus). These problems can are:
Problems are rare, but all procedures have some risk. The doctor will go over some problems that could happen, such as:
Things that may raise the risk of problems are:
The surgical team may meet with you to talk about:
General anesthesia will be used. You will be asleep.
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.
1 to 2 hours
Pain, vaginal discharge, and bleeding are common in the first few days. Medicine and home care can help.
Most people can go home in 2 to 3 days. If there are any problems, you may need to stay longer.
Right after the procedure, the staff may:
During your stay, the hospital staff will take steps to lower your risk of infection, such as:
There are also steps you can take to lower your risk of infection, such as:
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 the doctor if you are not getting better or you have:
If you think you are having an emergency, call for medical help right away.
American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
http://www.acog.org
Women's Health—US Department of Health and Human Services
http://www.womenshealth.gov
Health Canada
https://www.canada.ca
Women's Health Matters
http://www.womenshealthmatters.ca
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