Laparoscopic Myomectomy is a procedure for the treatment of fibroids. It involves the surgical removal of fibroids. Unlike hysterectomy, myomectomy does not involve the removal of the womb (uterus), making it the preferred procedure for women who have desire for childbirth. Myomectomy also enhances the chances of pregnancy after removal of fibroids but does not guarantee it.
Your doctor might recommend myomectomy for fibroids causing symptoms that are troublesome or interfere with your normal activities.Some of the reasons to choose myomectomy for fibroid treatment are
- To have a child
- Your doctor suspects uterine fibroids might be interfering with your fertility
- You want to keep your uterus
WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS TO CONSIDER?
The complication rate of myomectomy is low, but it does present some challenges.
Excessive blood loss: Fibroid can cause excessive menstrual blood loss which can result in low blood count in patient.Hence it is important to make sure that there is no excessive blood loss. Before the operation the doctor may suggest activities to increase the blood count and during the surgery itself, he may take several steps to prevent excessive blood loss such as clamp-down of the blood vessel around the fibroid by injecting medication.
Adhesions: Adhesions are a band of scar tissue which produced by the body naturally when the tissues are disturbed. Such adhesions can be caused during surgeries involving the uterus if not done carefully. Outside the uterus such adhesions may lead to a trapped loop of intestines and rarely it may lead to adhesions inside the uterus resulting in disorders such as Asherman’s syndrome.
Complications during pregnancy: In some rare cases, in order to avoid rapture of the uterus wall during post operation delivery the doctor may recommend c-section delivery. This is only applicable if the doctor performing your myomectomy had to make a deep incision during the operation.
WHAT ARE THE STEPS FOR PREPARATION?
- You will be required to fast (no food or liquid) hours before the operation.
- Let your doctor know about all your medications including supplements like vitamins.
- Ask your doctor which type of anesthesia will be used (spinal or general).
- Let your doctor know if you underwent a surgery or have any allergies.
- The doctor will ask you to quit smoking after the surgery as it can delay the healing process.
WHAT IS THE OUTCOME OF THIS SURGERY?
The outcome of a successful myomectomy would be the removal of the fibroid and ease in the pain caused due to the same. Laparoscopic Myomectomy is an outpatient surgery hence the patient may leave the same day or in some cases after a rest of one day.
The patient fertility state also improves which can be a good news for the patient who wants to have a child.