Myomectomy

Myomectomy is the surgical removal of fibroids from the wall of the uterus. There are three basic approaches. Abdominal myomectomy removes fibroids through an incision in the abdomen. Laproscopic myomectomy uses several very small incisions in the abdomen and a laproscope to remove fibroids. Hysteroscopic Myomectomy requires an instrument called a resectoscope, which is inserted vaginally and uses electrical current to cut tissue. This type of myomectomy should only be performed by physicians trained in the use of a resectoscope.

Advantages & Disadvantages

Unlike a hysterectomy, myomectomies do not remove the uterus. This is an obvious advantage. However, complications associated with myomectomy include blood loss (a frequent problem when large fibroids are removed), uterine scarring (which impairs fertility) and a fairly significant incidence of regrowth (about 30%).