Laparoscopic Myomectomy

Myomectomy is a surgical procedure to remove uterine fibroids — also called leiomyomas. These are common noncancerous growths that appear in the uterus, usually during childbearing years. Goal of the surgeon during myomectomy is to take out symptom-causing fibroids and reconstruct the uterus. Unlike hysterectomy, which removes the entire uterus, myomectomy removes only the fibroids and leaves the uterus intact. This surgery is specially for those women who plan to become pregnant in the future.

Usually four incisions are made in the lower abdomen: one-centimeter at or above the navel (belly button) and three half centimeter ones on the sides. The abdominal cavity is then filled with carbon dioxide gas. A thin, lighted telescope, called a laparoscope, is placed through an incision, allowing doctors to see the ovaries, fallopian tubes and uterus. Long instruments, inserted through the other incisions, are used to remove the fibroids. The uterine muscle is sewn back together. At the end of the procedure, the gas is released and the skin incisions are closed.

In selected cases of Laparoscopic myomectomy, Laparoscopic Uterine artery ligation at origin may be done before starting myomectomy. This reduces the blood loss during the surgery. Laparoscopic Myomectomy surgery with uterine artery ligation also lowers the recurrence rate of fibroids.

Most women spend one night in the hospital and one to two weeks recovering at home. After the procedure, you will have small scars on your skin where the incisions were made.

Benefits of Laparoscopic Myomectomy

• Lower Post operative pain.
• Only One or two days stay in the hospital.
• It is done through small incisions so takes less time in recovery of the wound.
• Early return to normal activity
• Less hernia formation
• Less chances of postoperative adhesions inside the abdomen.
• Better cosmetically as small scars

Laparoscopic Myomectomy needs to be done only by the expert and experienced surgeons. Just because it is a laparoscopic surgery does not mean it is a minor surgery.

There are several  factors like numbers of fibroids, their location and size of the Uterus which need to be consider while planning the surgery. We are successfully doing laparoscopic Myomectomy for large fibroids and multiple fibroids as a routine.

This surgery should be performed only by an expert and experienced surgeon. Just because it is a laparoscopic surgery does not mean it is a minor surgery.