What is myomectomy?
Myomectomy meaning
A myomectomy, which removes uterine fibroids (known as myomas), is a common surgical procedure. These non-cancerous growths often develop in the uterus, usually between the ages of 30 and 45, but can manifest at any point in a woman’s life.
The myomectomy procedure effectively eliminates fibroids from the myometrium and uterine tissue without having to remove the entire uterus like a hysterectomy does. Women who have undergone myomectomy have reported a notable reduction in fibroid-related symptoms, such as lighter menstrual bleeding and decreased pelvic pressure.
Why a myomectomy?
Your gynaecologist may recommend a myomectomy for fibroids that cause embarrassing symptoms or interfere with your normal activities. These include heavy bleeding and menstruation. If you need surgery, a myomectomy will be indicated instead of a hysterectomy for uterine fibroids if you want to get pregnant, have fertility problems or want to keep your uterus.
Who is a suitable candidate for a myomectomy?
A myomectomy is a surgical procedure used to extract benign growths, known as uterine fibroids, from the uterus. It is a treatment option for individuals experiencing symptomatic fibroids or those who desire fertility preservation.
Potential candidates for a myomectomy include :
- Symptomatic fibroids : Women who experience symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain or pressure, frequent urination, or difficulty conceiving due to uterine fibroids may be suitable candidates for a myomectomy. The procedure aims to alleviate these symptoms by removing the fibroids while preserving the uterus;
- Desire for fertility preservation : For women who wish to become pregnant in the future and have fibroids that could potentially interfere with conception or a healthy pregnancy, a myomectomy can be an appropriate choice. By removing the fibroids, the chances of successful conception and a safe pregnancy may improve;
- Submucosal or intramural fibroids : Myomectomy is a highly successful procedure for eliminating submucosal or intramural fibroids, which are fibroids found inside the uterus or embedded within the uterine wall.
It’s essential for women considering a myomectomy to undergo a thorough evaluation by a qualified healthcare professional. The doctor will assess the size, location, and number of fibroids, as well as the individual’s overall health and reproductive goals. Based on this evaluation, the healthcare provider can determine whether a myomectomy is the most suitable treatment option for the individual’s specific situation.
What is the cost of a myomectomy?
Myomectomy is offered from 1’700 eur. To receive a personalized quote with a cheap myomectomy price, please contact us. Tunisia Medical Travel can organize for you the transfer from the airport to the clinic and plan your stay to remove uterine fibroids.
What are the side effects of myomectomy surgery?
Low rate myomectomy complications. Nevertheless, it presents certain side effects such as:
Excessive bleeding
Many women with uterine myomas develop anemia due to heavy menstrual bleeding. Iron treatment may be prescribed a few months before the procedure to increase hemoglobin levels.
Transfusion
During myomectomy, the gynecologist may take additional measures to prevent heavy bleeding. One approach to managing uterine fibroids involves blocking the uterine arteries using techniques like tourniquets and clamps, as well as injecting medications that cause the blood vessels to constrict. However, these methods are often unable to significantly decrease the likelihood of requiring a blood transfusion. Research indicates that, overall, hysterectomy is associated with less bleeding compared to myomectomy for uteruses of similar size.
Scar tissue
Incisions made in the uterus for fibroids uterine myomectomy may result in adhesions, which are bands of scar tissue that may develop after the procedure. Laparoscopic myomectomy may result in fewer adhesions than abdominal myomectomy.
Complications of pregnancy and childbirth
A myomectomy may increase some risks during childbirth if you become pregnant.In cases where a gynecologist is required to make a deep incision in the uterine wall, they may advise a cesarean section as a precautionary measure. This helps to prevent the risk of uterine rupture, a rare complication during labor. Fibroids themselves are also associated with pregnancy complications.
Hysterectomy
Rarely, the gynaecologist must remove the uterus if bleeding is uncontrollable or if other abnormalities are found in addition to the fibroids.
How should I prepare for a myomectomy?
Treatment of anemia before myomectomy
The presence of fibroids in the uterus often causes anemia due to bleeding. In order to reduce any potential hazards associated with the myomectomy surgery, your gynecologist may suggest incorporating iron supplements and vitamins into your treatment plan. This may be particularly beneficial if you are suffering from iron deficiency anemia caused by excessive menstrual bleeding, as it can aid in boosting your hemoglobin levels. Another strategy for correcting anemia is hormone therapy before the myomectomy. In order to reduce or stop your menstrual flow, your doctor may recommend the use of a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist, birth control pills, or other hormonal medications. These treatments effectively block the production of estrogen and progesterone, halting your period and giving your body the opportunity to replenish its hemoglobin and iron levels.
Investigations and tests to be done before the myomectomy
Prior to the myomectomy, a pelvic ultrasound will be conducted to assess the presence and size of fibroids. Additionally, a blood test will be performed to determine if the patient’s anemia has been effectively treated. If successful, the procedure can be scheduled accordingly. However, if anemia persists, the gynecologist and anesthesiologist will collaborate to determine the best course of action – whether to proceed with the myomectomy or postpone until the anemia is resolved.
Lupron to shrink fibroids before myomectomy
If you have very large fibroids – larger than 10-12 cm – Lupron may be recommended prior to fibroid surgery. Lupron alone should not be used to shrink fibroids unless surgery is planned, as they may return to their original size once lupron is stopped.
What are the various techniques and procedures for myomectomy?
The gynaecologist will consider the size, number, and location of the fibroids before determining the most suitable approach for myomectomy. This surgery is typically done under general anesthesia and may require a short hospital stay of one or two nights.
Abdominal myomectomy
During an abdominal myomectomy (laparotomy) also known as open myomectomy, your gynaecologist makes a 3 to 5 centimeter open abdominal incision to access your uterus and remove the fibroids uterine myomectomy. Your gynaecologist will usually prefer to make a low, horizontal incision that follows the bikini line. Vertical incisions are necessary for large uteruses.Abdominal myomectomy recovery need about 4 to 6 weeks to fully recover.
Laparoscopic Myomectomy
During a laparoscopic myomectomy surgery, the gynaecologist accesses and removes the fibroids uterine myomectomy through several small abdominal incisions. Your gyneacologist makes a small incision in or near your umbilicus. He or she then inserts a laparoscope – a narrow tube with a camera – into your abdomen. Your gynecologist performs the procedure with myomectomy instruments inserted through other small incisions in your abdominal wall.
Hysteroscopic myomectomy
Opting for hysteroscopic myomectomy is a beneficial choice for women who have submucous fibroids located within their uterus. This procedure entails using a hysteroscope, a slender and pliable camera equipped with specialized myomectomy tools, to access the uterus through the vaginal opening. Once the camera is inside the uterus, the surgeon can see the fibroid tissue and remove it by various methods. The entire procedure can be performed on an outpatient basis with much, or as little, sedation as is preferred. Sometimes, due to the size and location of the fibroids, a two-stage hysterectomy may be necessary.
What happens after a myomectomy?
Upon hospital discharge
Upon hospital discharge, your gyneacologist will prescribe oral pain medication, explain how to take care of yourself, and discuss restrictions on your diet and activities.
What to expect after a myomectomy?
After myomectomy ,you can expect vaginal spotting and some slight bleeding for a few days to six weeks, depending on the type of procedure you had. Expect your first period after myomectomy to start early or delayed period after myomectomy.bending after a myomectomy may cause discomfort. The fibroid(s) will be analyzed in the pathology laboratory. The results will be communicated to you a few days after the procedure. A check-up is often necessary after one week.
What results can be expected after a myomectomy?
The results of the myomectomy may include:
Symptom relief
After myomectomy surgery, most women experience relief from bothersome signs and symptoms, such as excessive menstrual bleeding and pelvic pain and pressure.
Body changes after myomectomy
You may have abdominal pain for a few days after surgery. You may also have a swollen abdomen. Your bowel movements may change within a few days. And during the first week, you may have cramping.
Conceiving after myomectomy
When have good pregnancy?
Women who undergo laparoscopic myomectomy, with or without robotic assistance, have good pregnancy outcomes within one year of the procedure.
Ovulation after myomectomy : How soon after myomectomy can i get pregnant?
It is advisable wait to be the timing of pregnancy after myomectomyto one to three months to give the uterus time to heal.
Signs of pregnancy after myomectomy
The signs of pregnancy after myomectomy are the same as in a normal pregnancy.
Birth control pills after myomectomy
Make sure to consistently take the prescribed pill for a minimum of 3 months following a hysterectomy. For women experiencing menstrual disorders, like unpredictable periods, the use of oral contraception assists in lessening blood loss during menstruation. It also boosts serum hemoglobin levels and decreases the likelihood of developing anemia.
How to prevent fibroids after myomectomy?
- Follow a Mediterranean diet;
- Reduce alcohol;
- Balance estrogens;
- Lower blood pressure;
- Get enough vitamin D;
- Avoid smoking;
Undetected fibroids
Fibroids that your doctor does not detect during the procedure or fibroids that are not completely removed may eventually grow and cause symptoms. Women may develop new fibroids in the future, although treatment may or may not be necessary. Interestingly, those who have only had one fibroid are less prone to developing new ones compared to those who have had multiple fibroids. Additionally, women who become pregnant after undergoing myomectomy surgery have a lower likelihood of developing new fibroids than those who do not become pregnant.
Flat stomach after myomectomy
To achieve a flatter belly after myomectomy, it is important to follow a healthy diet and do light exercise. However, it also depends on the patient’s health before and after the operation. The body’s ability to heal the surgical wound determines how quickly a flat belly can be achieved after myomectomy. Therefore, the first attempt should focus on overall health.
When can i exercise after myomectomy?
Avoid strenuous physical activity such as cycling, jogging, weight lifting and aerobic exercise for 4-6 weeks.
Best way to sleep after myomectomy
After a laparoscopic or abdominal myomectomy, you may feel pain around the incision until it has healed. You should not sleep on your side or stomach for a few days or weeks after these procedures until the incisions have healed.
How long to wait for ivf after myomectomy
About six months after surgery is a good time to test.
Contact and request a quote for a myomectomy
Uterine fibroids are a nuisance for women. If you want to arrange a myomectomy, Tunisia Medical Travel can assist you during your medical travel from your arrival at the airport. Do not hesitate to contact us for your myomectomy.