Myomectomy, surgery for benign uterine tumors (uterine fibroids)

The uterus is an important reproductive organ for women, but unfortunately there are many disorders that can attack this organ. One of them most often experienced is a benign tumor or uterine fibroids. This fibroid growth in the uterus must be treated appropriately, especially if you are planning to have children. Treatment that can be done is with uterine myomectomy. However, is it true that this myomectomy surgery can treat uterine tumors (uterine fibroids)?

Can iomectomy completely remove benign uterine tumors?

Myomectomy is a surgical procedure performed to remove uterine fibroids or benign uterine tumors.

If fibroids in the uterus cause several symptoms such as pelvic pain, menstrual bleeding that is too heavy, prolonged and irregular, and urinating too often, the doctor will usually recommend doing this myomectomy.

With myomectomy, the symptoms that arose before will be resolved properly. However, fibroids can still grow again after myomectomy surgery, especially in women at a young age. Therefore, after a myomectomy is done, there is a need for further consultation and examination with a doctor.

Should all women with uterine tumors have a myomectomy?

In fact, there are several treatments that women can choose to treat tumors that grow in the uterus, such as a hysterectomy. However, unfortunately this action can eliminate the chances of getting pregnant in women, because in this procedure the uterus is completely removed.

So, if you have a benign uterine tumor and are still expecting a baby, myomectomy may be an alternative. This medical procedure will only remove tumor cells and tissue in the uterus, but will not completely remove the uterus.

Because not all of the uterus is removed, this action provides an opportunity for women to remain pregnant later.

Myomectomy itself is divided into various kinds, of course if you want to know which type of procedure is right for you, you should consult your doctor.

Types of myomectomy

Abdominal myomectomy

Abdominal myomectomy is the surgical removal of fibroids by opening the lower abdomen.

The doctor will perform surgery horizontally along 7.7-10 cm just above the pubic bone. Surgery can also be performed by making a vertical incision, right from below the navel down.

Abdominal myomectomy is considered a good option for women who have large enough uterine tumors or uterine fibroids, large amounts of fibroid tissue, or fibroids growing in a fairly deep location in the uterus.

Laparoscopic myomectomy

Laparoscopic myomectomy is needed for cases of uterine tumors that are still small and only some fibroid tissue has grown. Unlike the previous one, this medical procedure is carried out by making several small incisions.

This incision will be made 1-1.27 cm in size in the lower abdomen. Then the stomach will be filled with carbon dioxide gas so the surgeon can clearly monitor the condition of your fibroids.

Then, the doctor will insert an instrument called a laparoscope into the small incision that has been made under the stomach. Laparoscope is a very thin instrument equipped with a small light and camera.

This tool will be operated automatically and controlled by a remote which is operated directly by the doctor. Furthermore, with this tool the fibroid tissue will be destroyed until it becomes small.

Because this surgery is not a major operation, recovery is faster than abdominal myomectomy.

However, if it turns out that the growing fibroid tissue is too large and impossible to destroy, an abdominal myomectomy is required.

Hysteroscopic myomectomy

Hysteroscopic myomectomy is a special surgical removal of fibroids that is performed through the vagina and cervix. A little like a laparoscope, the surgeon will also insert a thin, light instrument into the body, except that this tool is inserted through the vagina or cervix.

Then, there will be fluid inserted in the uterus to enlarge the fibroid area more clearly. Next, the surgeon then uses a wire loop to destroy the fibroid tissue. Then, you will be given fluids again to rinse the area.

Will you feel pain after doing myomectomy?

Of course, pain or soreness will be felt after surgery. However, the doctor will usually provide several drugs to treat postoperative pain.

How long it will take you to recover will depend on the myomectomy performed. The duration of the recovery is:

Abdominal myomectomy: recovery time is around 4-6 weeks
Laparascopic myomectomy: recovery time is about 2-4 weeks
Hysteroscopic myomectomy: 2-3 days recovery time.

To reduce pain and speed up recovery, you should not lift heavy weights or do strenuous physical activity until you have completely healed.

In addition, if you are planning a pregnancy after myomectomy, you can wait up to 3-6 months for your uterus to completely heal or consult your doctor, as this depends on the type of surgery you are doing.