Living with uterine fibroids can be really tough. They can cause heavy bleeding, extreme discomfort, and even problems with having kids. For many women, a hysterectomy—which removes the uterus entirely—might seem like the only option, but it’s not. Myomectomy is a surgical procedure that removes fibroids while keeping the uterus intact, making it an option for women who want to preserve their ability to have children or just want a less invasive treatment. In this blog, we’ll break down everything you need to know about myomectomy surgery, from the types of procedures to recovery tips and even success stories.
A] What is a Myomectomy?
A myomectomy is a surgery where uterine fibroids, which are non-cancerous growths in the uterus, are removed. The big deal about this surgery is that it doesn’t remove the uterus, so it’s a popular choice for women who still want to have children. Fibroids can cause a bunch of symptoms like heavy or painful periods, pelvic pain, feeling like you have to pee all the time, or even infertility in some cases. If you’re dealing with symptoms like these and want relief without losing your uterus, a myomectomy could be worth looking into.
Fibroids aren’t the same for everyone. Some are small and don’t cause issues, while others grow big and can make life really uncomfortable. A myomectomy is tailored to the size, number, and location of your fibroids, which is why understanding the different types of procedures from a private gynaecologist in London is important.
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B] Types of Myomectomy Procedures
When it comes to myomectomy, there are three main types of procedures. Each one is used for different situations based on the size and location of the fibroids, as well as how invasive the surgery needs to be.
a. Abdominal Myomectomy
This is the most traditional form of myomectomy and is considered an open surgery. The surgeon makes an incision in the abdomen to reach the uterus and remove the fibroids. It’s a good choice for larger fibroids or cases where there are many fibroids to take out.
While it’s effective, abdominal myomectomy does require a longer recovery time, usually about 4 to 6 weeks. The incision will leave a visible scar, and you’ll need to take it easy for a while. This type of procedure is best for women whose fibroids are causing severe symptoms and who don’t mind a more invasive approach if it means solving their problem.
b. Laparoscopic Myomectomy
Laparoscopic myomectomy is a minimally invasive option. Instead of one big incision, the surgeon makes a few small cuts in the abdomen and uses special tools and a tiny camera (called a laparoscope) to remove the fibroids. This approach is best for women with smaller or fewer fibroids that are easier to reach.
The benefits of laparoscopic myomectomy include a shorter recovery time, less scarring, and less blood loss during the procedure. Most people can go back to their regular activities in just 2 to 4 weeks. However, it’s not suitable for everyone. If your fibroids are too large or too numerous, you might need a different type of surgery. It is best to consult a gynaecology service in London.
c. Hysteroscopic Myomectomy
This is the least invasive option and doesn’t involve any abdominal incisions at all. Instead, the surgeon goes through the vagina and cervix to remove fibroids located inside the uterine cavity. This type of myomectomy is specifically for submucosal fibroids, which are the kind that grow into the uterine cavity.
Recovery from hysteroscopic myomectomy is super quick. Most women feel fine within a few days and can get back to their normal activities almost immediately. It’s a great option for women who have the right type of fibroids and want minimal downtime.
C] Who is a Candidate for Myomectomy?
Myomectomy is not suitable for everyone; it is important to understand what is myomectomy treatment and who is the right candidate for it. The surgery is suitable for women who need to maintain a uterus or experiencing fibroid complications. Here are some factors that might make you a good candidate:
- You want to have children: For those who are planning to have children, a myomectomy is a good option that helps to get rid of symptoms of fibroids without losing the ability to conceive.
- You’re dealing with symptoms: When you suffer from severe bleeding, pelvic pain, or bladder-related problems because of fibroids, a myomectomy may be the solution.
- Your fibroids fit the criteria: The size, number, and position of fibroids largely and independently define whether myomectomy would be effective. For instance, if you have submucosal fibroids, hysteroscopic myomectomy could be the right option for you.
If you’re older or your fibroids are very large, your doctor might suggest a hysterectomy instead. This is why it’s so important to talk to an experienced doctor like Dr. Nilesh Agarwal about all your options.
D] Recovery and Post-Treatment Care
Myomectomy recovery varies depending on the kind of procedure but one thing you should always remember is to look after yourself during the recovery period. Here’s what you can expect:
- Abdominal Myomectomy: Recovery in this procedure may take a longer time because it is considered the most invasive of the three types. Usually, individuals may require 4-6 weeks to heal completely. At that time, you should refrain from lifting anything heavy and allow the body to recover.
- Laparoscopic Myomectomy: Recovery time is much faster, often taking between two to four weeks. You might experience some discomfort or soreness, which can be relieved by taking over-the-counter medicines.
- Hysteroscopic Myomectomy: This procedure has the shortest recovery time. Most people feel back to normal within a few days, which is perfect if you’re looking for a quick solution.
Post-Operative Tips:
- Follow your doctor’s advice on caring for your incision (if you have one) or avoiding infection.
- Keep an eye out for warning signs like fever, unusual pain, or discharge, and report them to your doctor immediately.
- Make sure to attend follow-up appointments to ensure everything is healing properly and to monitor for any fibroid recurrence.
E] Advantages and Challenges of Myomectomy
Advantages:
- You get to keep your uterus: This is a huge benefit for women who want to have children or simply don’t want to undergo a hysterectomy.
- Symptom relief: For many women, myomectomy provides much-needed relief from symptoms like heavy bleeding, pain, and frequent urination.
- Less invasive options: Laparoscopic and hysteroscopic procedures make recovery easier and faster for many patients.
Challenges:
- Fibroids can come back: Unfortunately, removing fibroids doesn’t stop new ones from growing in the future.
- There are risks: As with any surgery, there’s a chance of complications like infection, bleeding, or scar tissue formation.
- It might not work for everyone: If your fibroids are very large or located in hard-to-reach areas, a myomectomy might not be the best option.
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Conclusion
The myomectomy procedure is a life-changing option for women dealing with uterine fibroids. Whether you’re looking to preserve your fertility or just want relief from painful symptoms, this surgery offers a way to treat fibroids without removing your uterus. Talk to a doctor at the top women’s healthcare clinic in London about whether myomectomy is the right choice for you, and make sure you understand the benefits and challenges of the different procedures. Taking charge of your health is always worth it.
Neha Goel
Neha Goel, a Psychology alumna and MBA graduate from CASS Business School, London, brings together her expertise as a Reiki Practitioner and Practice Manager. She integrates psychology and business strategies to foster holistic well-being and personal development.