Uterine fibroids are a common concern for many women, especially those of childbearing age. These benign tumours can cause a range of symptoms, including heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, and fertility challenges. For women who want to preserve their ability to have children, myomectomy offers a highly effective surgical solution to remove fibroids while keeping the uterus intact.
At Paul’s Hospital, we understand the importance of a woman’s reproductive health, and we offer leading-edge myomectomy treatments to address fibroids while prioritising fertility. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the details of myomectomy surgery, its benefits, and how our expert team at Paul’s Hospital can help guide you through the process.
What is Myomectomy?
Myomectomy is a specialised surgery designed to remove uterine fibroids (also called leiomyomas) while preserving the uterus. Unlike a hysterectomy, which removes the uterus entirely, myomectomy removes the fibroids but leaves the reproductive organs intact. This makes it an ideal option for women who are hoping to conceive in the future.
The type of myomectomy you might need depends on the size, number, and location of the fibroids, as well as your health and personal goals. At Paul’s Hospital, our experienced team of gynaecologists tailors the procedure to meet your specific needs, ensuring the best possible outcome.
Why Is Myomectomy Performed?
There are several reasons why a myomectomy might be recommended:
Heavy Menstrual Bleeding: Fibroids can cause prolonged or excessive bleeding, leading to anaemia.
Pelvic Pain or Pressure: Large fibroids may press on nearby organs, causing discomfort.
Infertility or Recurrent Miscarriages: Fibroids can distort the uterine cavity or block fallopian tubes, interfering with conception or increasing the risk of miscarriage.
Rapid Fibroid Growth: If fibroids are growing quickly, removal may be necessary to prevent complications.
The most significant advantage of myomectomy is its ability to preserve fertility, making it the preferred choice for women planning a pregnancy.
Types of Myomectomy Surgery
At Paul’s Hospital, we offer three types of myomectomy surgery, each designed to meet different needs:
Laparoscopic Myomectomy
Procedure: This minimally invasive surgery uses small incisions and a laparoscope (a thin tube with a camera) to remove fibroids.
Best For: Intramural(fibroids within the uterine wall) and subserous(fibroids protruding out of the uterine wall).
Recovery Time: 2–3 weeks.
Hysteroscopic Myomectomy
Procedure: A hysteroscope is inserted through the vagina and cervix to remove fibroids within the uterine cavity.
Best For: Submucosal fibroids (those that grow into the uterine cavity).
Recovery Time: A few days to a week.
Each of these procedures is customised to ensure the best possible results, with minimal recovery time and maximum care for your fertility.
Why Choose Myomectomy at Paul’s Hospital?
There are numerous reasons why women choose myomectomy, and at Paul’s Hospital, we offer unmatched expertise and care to ensure the best results. Here’s why our patients trust us with their fertility preservation and fibroid removal needs:
Preservation of Fertility
Myomectomy allows for the removal of fibroids while preserving your uterus, enhancing your chances of a healthy pregnancy.
Methods to minimise blood loss
We use various methods methods to minimise the blood loss during myomectomy so as to avoid blood transfusion
Symptom Relief
Many women experience relief from heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, and pressure after the procedure, improving their overall quality of life.
Personalised Treatment
At Paul’s Hospital, we provide individualised care that is tailored to your specific fibroid issues, ensuring that healthy tissue is preserved while addressing the root cause of your symptoms.
Quick Recovery Options
Our minimally invasive procedures, like laparoscopic and hysteroscopic myomectomy, ensure a faster recovery time and minimal scarring, so you can get back to your daily life sooner.
In bag morcellation
We perform in bag morcellation of fibroids to retrieve it outside the body for all myomectomy surgeries. This is a technique to cut the fibroids into smaller pieces within a air tight medical grade bag to prevent loss of smaller pieces within the abdominal cavity.
Who Should Consider Myomectomy?
Myomectomy is especially suitable for:
Women who are experiencing significant symptoms due to fibroids.
Women dealing with infertility or recurrent miscarriages linked to fibroids.
Those who wish to keep their uterus for future pregnancies.
If you’re considering myomectomy, it’s essential to speak with your gynaecologist at Paul’s Hospital, who will assess your individual situation and recommend the best course of action.
Preparing for Myomectomy Surgery
Before your surgery, there are a few key steps that will ensure the best possible outcome:
Medical Evaluation
Your doctor will perform imaging tests, such as an ultrasound or MRI, to assess the size, location, and number of fibroids.
Optimising Health
If needed, we’ll work with you to address any health issues like anaemia caused by heavy bleeding or take medications to shrink the fibroids before surgery.
Anaesthesia Discussion
Most myomectomies are performed under general anaesthesia. Our team will guide you through the anaesthesia process during preoperative consultations.
Planning Recovery
It’s essential to plan for post-surgery recovery. Arrange for time off work and someone to help you at home during the early recovery stages.
The Myomectomy Procedure: What to Expect?
At Paul’s Hospital, you will be in the best hands during your surgery. Here’s what to expect during the procedure:
During Surgery: The duration of the procedure will depend on the type of myomectomy being performed and the complexity of fibroid removal. Our skilled surgeons will work to minimise blood loss and ensure that the uterus is repaired properly for optimal healing.
Post-Surgery Monitoring: After surgery, you’ll spend a night in the ICU before being moved to a hospital room the next morning. You will then be discharged that afternoon
Recovery After Myomectomy
Your recovery will depend on the type of myomectomy you’ve had, but at Paul’s Hospital, we make sure you are well-supported throughout the process:
Immediate Aftercare
Mild cramping, spotting, or bloating is common after surgery. We’ll provide pain medication to help you manage discomfort.
Recovery Timeline
Hysteroscopic Myomectomy: Most patients return to normal activities within a week.
Laparoscopic Myomectomy: Recovery typically takes 2–3 weeks.
Post-Surgery Instructions
During your recovery, you’ll need to avoid heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, and sexual activity. Regular follow-ups with your doctor will ensure your recovery is progressing well.
Myomectomy and Fertility: What You Need to Know
One of the main reasons for choosing myomectomy is its ability to preserve fertility. Here's how it helps with reproductive health:
Improved Conception Rates: By removing fibroids that block fallopian tubes or distort the uterine cavity, myomectomy increases the chances of conception.
Reduced Pregnancy Complications: Myomectomy can reduce the risk of miscarriage, preterm labour, and other pregnancy complications.
Timing Pregnancy: After surgery, most doctors recommend waiting 3–6 months for your uterus to heal before trying to conceive.
Risks and Considerations of Myomectomy
Like all surgeries, myomectomy comes with certain risks, including:
Scar Tissue Formation: Adhesions may form, though minimally invasive techniques reduce this risk.
Fibroid Recurrence: New fibroids may develop over time, necessitating further treatment.
Uterine Rupture: In rare cases, the surgical site may weaken the uterine wall, but careful monitoring during future pregnancies helps manage this risk.
At Paul’s Hospital, our expert team will discuss all potential risks and ensure you are fully informed before making your decision.
Myomectomy offers a tailored, effective solution for women managing uterine fibroids while prioritising fertility. At Paul’s Hospital, we provide expert care and advanced treatments to help you reclaim your health and plan for the future. Whether you're seeking relief from fibroid symptoms or hoping to preserve your fertility, our compassionate team is here to support you every step of the way. Reach out to us today to learn more about how we can help you on your journey to better health.
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