Myomectomy

Myomectomy is a surgical procedure to remove uterine fibroids, benign (not cancerous) growths in a woman’s uterus.

The procedure can help relieve uterine fibroid symptoms such as abnormally heavy menstrual bleeding, pain in the pelvic region, and pressure on the bladder or bowel.

Unlike a hysterectomy, which is also used to treat uterine fibroids, myomectomy preserves the uterus while treating the fibroids. Myomectomy offers an alternative for women who want to become pregnant or prefer to have their uterus left in place.

The myomectomy procedure used will depend on the size, number and type of fibroids. Options include:

Hysteroscopic myomectomy – a minimally invasive procedure in which the fibroids are removed using tiny, lighted surgical instruments inserted through your vagina and into your uterus. This approach may be used to remove fibroids inside the uterus that have not grown deep into the uterine wall. It is typically an outpatient procedure (no hospital stay).

Laparoscopic or robotic myomectomy – a minimally invasive procedure in which the fibroids are removed using small, specialized surgical instruments inserted through tiny incisions in the abdomen. This approach eliminates the need for traditional open surgery, eliminating hospital stays and reducing pain, scarring, complications and recovery time. Laparoscopic myomectomy is often used for removing fibroids growing on the outside of the uterus. A surgical robot is sometimes used to perform the procedure, allowing women with complex conditions – who might otherwise have required open surgery – to have a minimally invasive procedure instead.

Laparotomy (abdominal myomectomy) – the fibroids are removed through traditional open surgery, via a large incision in the abdomen. This approach is typically used when the fibroids are too numerous, large or deep in the uterine wall to be removed through minimally invasive procedures. Open surgery may also enable easier repair of the uterus after the fibroids are removed.