Myomectomy: Preserving Your Uterus While Treating Fibroids

Myomectomy is a surgical procedure that treats uterine fibroids without removing the uterus. It preserves the uterus while treating and preventing fibroids from causing damage to the entire uterus. This is an option for women who want to have children in the future or wish to keep their uterus for other reasons. Laparoscopic myomectomy at the Women Health Center, Nakornthon Hospital, performed by specialized and experienced physicians using modern surgical technology, can reduce complications, minimize pain, shorten recovery time, and improve overall surgical outcomes.

What Does Myomectomy Treat?

The decision to undergo a myomectomy depends on several factors such as the size of fibroids, number of uterine fibroids, symptoms, and future pregnancy plans. Generally, doctors recommend surgery in the following cases:

• Pain: Uterine fibroids can cause lower abdominal pain, back pain, or pain during sexual intercourse. If the pain is severe and chronic, surgery may be an option to relieve symptoms. Many patients who undergo open myomectomy experience significant pain reduction afterward.
• Abnormal Bleeding: Uterine fibroids can cause heavier or longer periods than normal, or bleeding between cycles. If abnormal bleeding leads to anemia or affects daily life, a uterine myomectomy may be necessary. This procedure differs from a hysterectomy, as it preserves the uterus while removing only the fibroids.
• Pregnancy-Related Issues: Fibroids in certain locations may interfere with pregnancy or increase the risk of complications during pregnancy. If the patient wishes to have children, a myomectomy may help increase the chances of conception.
• Compression of Adjacent Organs: Large uterine fibroids may compress adjacent organs such as the bladder or intestines, causing frequent urination, constipation, or abdominal pain. If compression symptoms are severe, doctors may consider surgical intervention.
• Large or Rapidly Growing Fibroids: If fibroids are very large or growing abnormally quickly, doctors may recommend myomectomy surgery to prevent future complications. This is particularly important to rule out other conditions like cervical cancer that might present with similar symptoms.

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Types of Myomectomy

Myomectomy can be performed using several methods, depending on the symptoms, fibroid characteristics, and overall patient factors such as age, desire to have children, and pregnancy status. Some patients can be treated with medication, but in certain cases, doctors may recommend surgical myomectomy treatment, which comes in two main forms:

Open Myomectomy

This is an abdominal surgery similar to a cesarean section, with a horizontal incision across the lower abdomen. During surgery, the surgeon can clearly see the location of the ureters and fibroids, allowing for precise separation and making the procedure relatively safe. This approach preserves the uterus for normal function, which is important for women considering pregnancy after myomectomy.

Laparoscopic Surgery

Laparoscopic myomectomy is a popular treatment option with several advantages. This minimally invasive procedure involves small incisions, resulting in less blood loss, reduced pain, shorter recovery time, faster healing, and fewer post-operative complications.

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Laparoscopic Myomectomy

Laparoscopic myomectomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure performed by making 3-4 small incisions in the abdomen, each measuring about 0.5-1 centimeter. This technique allows surgeons to remove only the fibroids while preserving the uterus. The fibroid tissue is then morcellated (broken into smaller pieces) to be removed through the small incisions, though in some cases, one incision may be enlarged to 3-4 centimeters.

Pros

• Small surgical incisions measuring approximately 0.5-1.0 centimeters, typically 3-4 incisions total
• Minimal pain due to less trauma compared to traditional open myomectomy
• Reduced blood loss compared to other surgical approaches
• Short hospital stay of only 1-2 days with quick recovery—patients can walk and eat the day after surgery and return to work or daily activities within 10-14 days
• Decreased risk of adhesion formation (scar tissue)
• Lower risk of surgical wound complications such as inflammation, infection, and abscess formation due to smaller incisions
• Pregnancy after myomectomy rates comparable to those following traditional abdominal procedures
• Similar effectiveness in removing multiple fibroids with recurrence rates comparable to open surgery

Cons

• May require longer operating time than traditional abdominal surgery, despite having fewer side effects and faster recovery
• Possibility of conversion to open surgery (uterine myomectomy) if complications arise during the procedure
• For fibroids found in perimenopausal or menopausal women, careful differential diagnosis is needed to rule out other conditions like uterine cancer or cervical cancer before proceeding with laparoscopic surgery

For certain types of fibroids, especially those located inside the uterine cavity, hysteroscopic myomectomy may be performed instead. This procedure uses a thin telescope (hysteroscopy) inserted through the vagina and cervix, eliminating the need for any abdominal incisions.

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Care at Nakornthon Hospital

Laparoscopic myomectomy should be performed by surgeons who are skilled in both the surgery itself and laparoscopic suturing techniques. The Women Health Center at Nakornthon Hospital features specialized physicians who are experts in laparoscopic surgery, equipped with cutting-edge surgical technology and comprehensive care services to ensure optimal treatment outcomes.

What sets Nakornthon Hospital apart is its focus on rapid recovery protocols specifically designed for busy professionals and expatriates. The hospital's state-of-the-art laparoscopic myomectomy equipment, combined with advanced minimally invasive techniques, allows patients to experience shorter hospital stays and quicker returns to daily activities compared to traditional surgical approaches.

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For more information, please contact:

1. - Website : https://en.nakornthon.com
2. - Facebook : Nakornthon Hospital - International Patient
3. - Line : @nakornthoninter
4. - Tel: 02-450-9999 (Available 24 hours)