A myomectomy is a procedure to remove uterine fibroids, which are generally benign tumors. Fibroids can cause heavy or irregular periods, pelvic pain, urinary symptoms, constipation, and infertility. Especially for women who wish to maintain their fertility, fibroids may need to be removed surgically to treat these symptoms.
There are four surgical options to remove fibroids: hysteroscopically, laparoscopically, robotically, and abdominally. Although the size, location, and number of fibroids often determine the ideal means of fibroid removal, many women are unaware of the possible range of surgical choices they may have, which in turn can affect their speed and comfort level during the recovery period.
Dr. Elizabeth Gagliardi, OB/Gyn at Harvard Vanguard in Post Office Square, Boston, and a member of our minimally-invasive gynecologic surgery (MIGS) team, explains in this video the different surgical procedures to perform a myomectomy, the advantages of each, and what a woman should know and discuss with her doctor to determine the best surgical option for her.
Harvard Vanguard’s MIGS team is highly-skilled and experienced with traditional surgery but also with all minimally-invasive surgical procedures. If you would like to know more or would like to schedule a consult, please click here.
It’s important to note that, just because a woman has fibroids, it doesn’t mean that she necessarily needs to have them surgically removed. If they’re not causing irregular bleeding, pain, or other problems, they can sometimes just be left alone (and they’ll usually shrink considerably, or even disappear, on their own after menopause).
This is an excellent point, Sandra! Fibroids can be treated with expectant management or medical options, as well as surgery. However, for patients who require surgical intervention, I wanted to ensure that the above methods are considered. Thanks for your comment!