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.
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Myomectomy is done to relieve problems caused by fibroids without doing a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus). These problems can include:
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.
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:
Factors that may increase the risk of complications include:
Be sure to discuss these risks with your doctor before the procedure.
Your doctor may do the following:
You should discuss with your doctor:
Leading up to your procedure:
General anesthesia is used most often. It will block any pain and keep you asleep through the surgery. It is given through an IV in your hand or arm. This may also include a mask or intubation.
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. In some cases, you will be given a medication to reduce the amount of blood loss.
After removing the fibroids, each layer of tissue in the uterus will be stitched. Lastly, the stitches will be used to close the incision area.
After the procedure, you will be:
1-2 hours
You will have abdominal pain and discomfort for 7-10 days. You will be given medication to help control the pain.
2-3 days
Full recovery will take about 4-6 weeks. When you return home, do the following to help ensure a smooth recovery:
After you leave the hospital, contact your doctor if any of the following occur:
If you think you have an emergency, call for emergency medical services 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
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca
Women's Health Matters
http://www.womenshealthmatters.ca
Uterine fibroid symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. Society of Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology website. Available at: http://www.sirweb.org/patients/uterine-fibroids/. Accessed December 11, 2017.
6/2/2011 DynaMed Plus Systematic Literature Surveillancehttp://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T909182/Prevention-of-hospital-acquired-pneumonia: Mills E, Eyawo O, et al. Smoking cessation reduces postoperative complications: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Med. 2011;124(2):144-154.e8.
Last reviewed November 2018 by Beverly Siegal, MD, FACOG Last Updated: 12/20/2014