Myomectomy (Fibroids)

A Myomectomy is the surgical removal of fibroids from the uterus. Fibroids are fibrous, connective tissue tumours that form. Removal of the fibroids in this way preserves the uterus. Uterine fibroids, also known as myomas or leiomyomas, are the most common female reproductive system tumours and account for nearly 60 percent of the hysterectomies performed each year. Most fibroids are asymptomatic or cause very minor symptoms, however, 1 in 4 women will develop symptoms severe enough to affect their quality of life and require treatment.

Myomectomy is the preferred fibroid treatment for women who want to become pregnant. Before a Myomectomy, shrinking fibroids with gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogue (GnRH-a) therapy may reduce blood loss from the surgery. GnRH-a therapy lowers the amount of oestrogen your body makes. If you have bleeding from a fibroid, GnRH-a therapy can also improve anaemia before surgery by stopping uterine bleeding for several months.

Procedure

Laparoscopic Myomectomy removes subserosal fibroids utilizing a laparoscope, a tiny camera connected to a long slender telescope used for viewing inside the abdomen in conjunction to long slender instruments used for performing the operation. Only 2 to 4, less than one-half inch, abdominal incisions are required to perform the surgery.

Special Note: We take pride in the fact that the world’s largest Fibroid weighing 6.5 kilos was taken out by Padmashree awardee Dr. Malvika Sabharwal at Alhilal Hospitals, Karol Bagh, New Delhi in December 2010.

Hysteroscopic Myomectomy removes submucosal fibroids via the vaginal canal using a hysteroscope, a thin, telescope-like instrument that is inserted into the uterus through the vagina and cervix.

Laparotomy Myomectomy removes numerous or large fibroids. Requiring a larger abdominal incision, laparotomy allows thorough inspection of the uterus to ensure complete uterine fibroid removal.