Myomectomy

What this procedure is

A myomectomy is a surgery used to remove uterine fibroids. These are common, noncancerous (benign) growths that develop in the uterus, which is also called the womb. During this procedure, the surgeon removes the fibroids and then repairs the uterine tissue.

This surgery is different from a hysterectomy. In a hysterectomy, the entire uterus is removed. In a myomectomy, only the fibroids are taken out, leaving the uterus in place. This is often a preferred option for people who want to become pregnant in the future or who want to keep their uterus for personal reasons.

What it treats or fixes

This procedure treats uterine fibroids that are causing bothersome symptoms. While many fibroids are small and do not need treatment, others can grow large enough to cause pain or interfere with daily life. Your clinician may suggest a myomectomy to help with:

• Heavy bleeding: Periods that are very heavy or last a long time.
• Pelvic pressure: A feeling of fullness, pressure, or pain in the lower stomach area.
• Bladder or bowel issues: Fibroids pressing on nearby organs, which can cause frequent urination or constipation.
• Fertility concerns: Fibroids that may be making it harder to get pregnant or causing issues during pregnancy.

How common it is & where it's done

Myomectomy is a common and well-established surgery for treating fibroids. It is performed by gynecologists, who are doctors specializing in women's reproductive health. The procedure takes place in a hospital or a specialized surgical center.

Where you stay after the procedure depends on the specific method your clinician uses. Some versions of the surgery use very small incisions or are done through the vagina, which may allow you to go home the same day. Other methods that require a larger incision in the abdomen may require a hospital stay for one or more nights to ensure a safe recovery.

Recovery: What to Expect

Your recovery time depends on the type of myomectomy you have. If you have a hysteroscopic or laparoscopic procedure (minimally invasive), you may return to your usual activities within a few days to two weeks. For an abdominal myomectomy, which involves a larger incision in the lower belly, recovery usually takes four to six weeks.

During the first few days, it is common to feel some soreness or fatigue. You may also have light vaginal spotting. Your clinician may suggest:

• Taking short walks to help with blood flow and healing.
• Avoiding heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for several weeks.
• Resting when you feel tired to help your body recover.

Contact your care team if you experience a high fever, severe pain that does not improve with medicine, or heavy vaginal bleeding that soaks through a pad quickly.

Risks & Possible Complications

While a myomectomy is generally a safe procedure, all surgeries carry some risks. These can include bleeding, infection, or reactions to anesthesia (medicine used to keep you asleep during surgery). Your surgical team takes many steps to prevent these issues during and after the procedure.

Other possible complications include:

• Adhesions: These are bands of scar tissue that can form after surgery and may cause tissues to stick together.
• Childbirth changes: If you plan to get pregnant, your clinician may recommend a C-section for future deliveries to protect the uterine wall.
• Hysterectomy: In very rare cases, if heavy bleeding cannot be stopped, the surgeon may need to remove the uterus to ensure your safety.

Outcomes & Long-Term Results

Most people experience significant relief from fibroid symptoms, such as heavy menstrual bleeding and pelvic pressure, after the procedure. Because the uterus is left in place, this surgery is often chosen by those who wish to maintain their ability to become pregnant.

It is important to know that while the surgery removes existing fibroids, new fibroids can sometimes grow in the future. This is known as recurrence. Your clinician may monitor you with regular exams or ultrasounds to check for any new growth over time.

Emotional Support & Reassurance

It is natural to feel a range of emotions, from relief to anxiety, before and after surgery. Many patients find comfort in knowing that this is a common procedure designed to improve their quality of life and physical comfort.

Be patient with yourself as you heal. If you feel overwhelmed or have questions about your progress, reach out to your healthcare team. They are there to support you and provide the information you need for a smooth recovery journey.

Why doctors recommend it

A myomectomy is a surgery used to remove uterine fibroids. These are common, noncancerous growths that develop in the muscle of the uterus. Your clinician may recommend this surgery if fibroids are causing symptoms that interfere with your daily life, such as heavy periods or pelvic pressure.

This procedure is often chosen over other options because it removes only the fibroids and leaves the uterus in place. It is a common recommendation for those who wish to preserve their fertility for future pregnancy or who prefer to keep their uterus for other personal reasons.

Urgent vs planned treatment

For most people, a myomectomy is a planned treatment rather than an emergency. You and your clinician will usually monitor the fibroids over time or try other treatments, like medications, before deciding that surgery is the best next step.

While it is rarely an urgent situation, your care team may suggest the procedure if symptoms like heavy bleeding become difficult to manage or if the fibroids are causing significant discomfort. The timing is usually based on how much the symptoms are affecting your health and well-being.

Goals of treatment

The primary goal of a myomectomy is to provide relief from the physical symptoms caused by fibroids. Success is often measured by how much your quality of life improves after the growths are removed. Common goals include:

• Reducing heavy bleeding: Helping periods become lighter and more manageable.
• Relieving pressure: Easing the "heavy" feeling in the pelvic area or pressure on the bladder and bowels.
• Reducing pain: Decreasing pelvic discomfort or pain during activity.
• Supporting pregnancy: Improving the chances of a healthy pregnancy for those who plan to conceive.

While the surgery removes existing fibroids, it is important to know that new fibroids could potentially grow in the future. Your clinician will help you understand what to expect based on your specific health needs.

Who may benefit

A myomectomy is a surgical procedure used to remove uterine fibroids. These are noncancerous (benign) growths that develop in the muscular wall of the uterus. Your clinician may recommend this surgery if fibroids are causing symptoms that disrupt your quality of life, such as heavy or prolonged menstrual periods, pelvic pain, or a feeling of fullness in the lower abdomen.

This procedure is often a preferred choice for individuals who wish to keep their uterus. It is a common option for those who plan to become pregnant in the future, as it removes the fibroids while leaving the healthy uterine tissue in place. It may also help improve fertility if a fibroid is interfering with pregnancy or causing other reproductive challenges.

In addition to helping with pregnancy goals, a myomectomy can relieve physical discomfort. By removing the growths, the surgery can reduce pressure on the bladder or rectum, which may help with frequent urination or constipation caused by large fibroids.

When it may not be the right option

While myomectomy is a helpful treatment, it may not be the best fit for everyone. Because fibroids can sometimes grow back after surgery, your clinician might suggest other treatments if you are close to menopause. Fibroids often shrink on their own once a person reaches menopause and hormone levels change.

If you do not plan to have children in the future and want a permanent solution for your symptoms, a hysterectomy (removal of the entire uterus) might be discussed. A myomectomy only removes existing fibroids, so new ones could develop later, potentially requiring more treatment in the future.

Your care team may also suggest alternative options if the fibroids are extremely large or numerous, or if there are other underlying health concerns. In some cases, non-surgical treatments like medication or less invasive procedures might be tried first to manage symptoms like heavy bleeding.

Questions to ask your care team

Deciding on surgery is a big step. You may find it helpful to bring a list of questions to your next appointment to help you feel more confident in your choice. Consider asking:

• Which type of myomectomy (abdominal, laparoscopic, or hysteroscopic) is best for my specific situation?
• How might this surgery affect my chances of getting pregnant in the future?
• What are the chances that new fibroids will grow back after the procedure?
• What is the expected recovery time, and when can I return to my normal activities?
• Are there any non-surgical options we should consider before deciding on surgery?
• How will this procedure help improve the specific symptoms I am having?

In the procedure room

When you are taken into the procedure room, you will meet your surgical team, which usually includes your surgeon, nurses, and an anesthesia provider. They will help you get settled onto a padded table. The room is kept cool and contains specialized equipment to ensure a clean and safe environment.

An intravenous (IV) line will be placed in your arm or hand if you do not already have one. This allows the team to provide fluids and medicine during the surgery. You may also have sticky patches placed on your chest to track your heart rhythm.

High-level steps

The main goal of a myomectomy is to remove uterine fibroids (non-cancerous growths) while leaving the uterus intact. Your surgeon will use one of several methods depending on the size and location of your fibroids:

• Abdominal myomectomy: The surgeon makes an incision (cut) in the lower belly to reach the uterus.
• Laparoscopic myomectomy: The surgeon uses several small "keyhole" cuts and a tiny camera to remove the fibroids.
• Hysteroscopic myomectomy: The surgeon reaches the fibroids through the vagina and cervix using a special tool, meaning no skin incisions are needed.

Once the fibroids are removed, the surgeon carefully repairs the uterine muscle with stitches to help it heal and stay strong.

Anesthesia and pain control

To ensure you are comfortable and do not feel pain, you will receive anesthesia. Most patients receive general anesthesia, which puts you into a deep sleep for the entire procedure. In some cases, your clinician may use regional anesthesia, such as a spinal block, which numbs the lower half of your body while you remain awake or lightly sedated.

Your care team will discuss the best option for you. After the surgery, you may receive pain relief through your IV or as a pill to manage any soreness or cramping as you wake up.

Monitoring and safety steps

Your safety is the top priority throughout the procedure. The surgical team constantly monitors your heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels. A thin, flexible tube called a catheter may be placed in your bladder to drain urine. This keeps the bladder empty and out of the way, which helps protect it from injury during the surgery.

If an abdominal or laparoscopic approach is used, the surgeon may use special tools to minimize blood loss. In some cases, a small amount of gauze or packing might be used temporarily to help control any minor bleeding before the incisions are closed.

Immediately after the procedure

After the surgery is finished, you will be moved to a recovery room. Nurses will check on you frequently as you wake up from the anesthesia. You might feel groggy, thirsty, or have a slightly sore throat if a breathing tube was used.

It is normal to feel some pressure or cramping in your pelvic area, similar to a heavy period. You may also notice some light vaginal bleeding or spotting. Your team will encourage you to take deep breaths and, when you are ready, to begin moving your legs to help with circulation.

Typical procedure length

A myomectomy typically takes between one and three hours. The exact time depends on the number of fibroids being removed, their size, and the surgical method used. Your surgeon can give you a more specific estimate based on your individual health needs.

Common approaches (open vs minimally invasive)

Your clinician will recommend a surgical method based on the size, number, and location of your fibroids. The goal is to remove the fibroids while leaving the uterus in place.

• Abdominal myomectomy (open): This approach uses one larger incision on the abdomen, similar to a C-section cut. It is often chosen for very large fibroids, when there are many fibroids, or if they are deep inside the uterine wall.
• Laparoscopic or robotic myomectomy (minimally invasive): The surgeon makes several small incisions on the abdomen. A slender camera and instruments are used to remove the fibroids. This method usually results in less pain and a faster recovery than open surgery.
• Hysteroscopic myomectomy: This procedure requires no external incisions. Instruments are inserted through the vagina and cervix to remove fibroids found inside the uterine cavity.

Partial vs total

While the term "partial" is rarely used for myomectomy itself, the procedure is defined by removing only the fibroids (the specific growths) while keeping the uterus intact. This is distinct from a "total" hysterectomy, which removes the entire uterus. Myomectomy is often the preferred choice for those who wish to become pregnant in the future or simply want to keep their uterus.

However, this approach is not always applicable. In some cases, if the fibroids are extremely large or numerous, or if there is heavy bleeding that cannot be controlled, a clinician may discuss whether removing the uterus is a safer or more effective option.

Revision or repeat procedures

Because a myomectomy preserves the uterus, it is possible for new fibroids to grow after the surgery. The original fibroids do not grow back, but new ones can develop over time. This is more common in younger women or those who had many fibroids removed.

If symptoms return due to new growth, a repeat procedure or a different treatment may be needed in the future. Your doctor can help you understand your specific risk for recurrence based on your medical history.

Tests and imaging that may be done

To plan your surgery safely, your care team needs to know the exact size and location of your fibroids. They may order imaging tests to create a "map" of your uterus. Common tests include:

• Ultrasound: This uses sound waves to create a picture of your uterus and ovaries.
• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): This provides a detailed view to help the surgeon see fibroids that might be deeper in the muscle or harder to find with ultrasound alone.

You will likely also have standard blood tests. These check your overall health and measure your blood count to see if you have anemia (low iron) caused by heavy periods. In some cases, an electrocardiogram (EKG) may be done to check your heart rhythm before anesthesia.

Medication adjustments

Your clinician will review all the medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements you currently take. It is important to tell them about everything, including over-the-counter products. You may be asked to stop taking aspirin, ibuprofen, or certain supplements for a few days before surgery to lower the risk of bleeding.

Sometimes, doctors prescribe specific medications for a few months before the procedure. These might include:

• GnRH agonists: These medications block estrogen production, which can stop your period and help shrink fibroids. This may help correct anemia and make the surgery technically easier.
• Iron supplements: If you have heavy bleeding and anemia, your care team may have you take iron to build up your blood count before surgery.

Always follow your clinician's specific instructions before stopping or starting any medication.

Day-before and day-of instructions

Preparing your body and your home can help make your recovery smoother. Your clinic will give you specific rules, but general preparations often include:

The day before surgery:

• Fasting: You will likely be told not to eat or drink anything after midnight the night before. This keeps you safe during anesthesia.
• Bathing: You may need to shower with a special antibacterial soap to reduce the risk of infection.
• Packing: If you are staying in the hospital overnight, pack a small bag with loose, comfortable clothing and personal toiletries.

The day of surgery:

• Leave valuables at home: Do not wear jewelry, makeup, or nail polish to the hospital.
• Bring identification: Have your insurance card and ID ready.
• Arrange a ride: You will not be allowed to drive yourself home because of the anesthesia. Ask a friend or family member to drive you.

General surgical risks

Like any major operation, myomectomy carries standard risks. Your surgical team takes many steps to keep you safe, but it is helpful to be aware of potential issues. General risks include:

• Infection: This can happen at the incision site or inside the body.
• Bleeding: Some blood loss is normal, but excessive bleeding can occur during or after the procedure.
• Anesthesia reactions: Some patients may have a reaction to the medication used to keep them asleep or numb, though your team monitors you closely to prevent this.
• Blood clots: Surgery can increase the risk of clots forming in the legs or lungs.

Procedure-specific complications

Because myomectomy involves removing fibroids from the wall of the uterus, there are specific risks related to this organ and the surrounding area. While serious complications are not common, they can include:

• Scar tissue: As the uterus heals, bands of scar tissue (adhesions) may form. In some cases, this can block the fallopian tubes or cause pain.
• Injury to nearby organs: Rarely, the bladder or bowel may be accidentally damaged during the surgery.
• Pregnancy and childbirth changes: Removing deep fibroids can leave a weak spot in the uterine wall. If you become pregnant in the future, your doctor may recommend a Cesarean section (C-section) to prevent the uterus from tearing during labor.
• New fibroids: Myomectomy removes existing fibroids, but it does not stop new ones from growing. Younger women or those with many fibroids may see them return over time.
• Hysterectomy (very rare): In extremely rare cases where bleeding is heavy and cannot be controlled, the surgeon may need to remove the uterus to ensure the patient's safety.

How complications are treated

Most complications can be managed effectively if they occur. Your care team will monitor your vital signs and recovery progress to catch any problems early.

• Infections are typically treated with antibiotics.
• Excessive blood loss may be treated with a blood transfusion to replace fluids and red blood cells.
• Organ injury is usually repaired immediately during the surgery if it is detected.
• Scar tissue is often minimized by using special surgical techniques, though sometimes additional procedures are needed if it causes symptoms later.

Pain control medicines

Your clinician may recommend different types of medicine to help you feel comfortable after your myomectomy (surgery to remove fibroids). This often includes a mix of over-the-counter options and prescription medicines. Using different types of pain relief together can often provide better results with fewer side effects.

Common options include:

• NSAIDs: These are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, which help reduce swelling and pain.
• Acetaminophen: This is a common pain reliever that works differently than NSAIDs to help manage discomfort.
• Opioids: For stronger pain in the first few days, your clinician may prescribe a short course of opioid medicine.

Your clinician will tailor this plan based on your health history. It is important to mention any allergies or past issues with pain medicines, as some can cause stomach upset or interact with other drugs you take.

Antibiotics

To help prevent infection at the surgical site, your care team will likely give you antibiotics. These are medicines that kill or stop the growth of bacteria. This is a standard safety step for most surgical procedures.

In most cases, these are given through an IV (a small tube in your vein) just before the surgery begins. This is called prophylactic treatment, which means it is used to prevent a problem before it starts. Your clinician will check for any allergies, such as a penicillin allergy, before choosing the right antibiotic for you.

Blood thinners and clot prevention

After surgery, there is a small risk of developing blood clots in the legs, known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). If a clot travels to the lungs, it is called a pulmonary embolism (PE). To lower these risks, your clinician may use several methods to keep your blood flowing well while you recover.

Your care team may use:

• Blood thinners: These are medicines (anticoagulants) usually given as a small injection under the skin to prevent clots from forming.
• Compression tools: You may wear special stockings or inflatable boots that gently squeeze your legs to help blood move while you are resting in bed.

The choice of medicine depends on your specific risk factors and the type of myomectomy you have. Your clinician will balance the need to prevent clots with the need to ensure proper healing and minimal bleeding after surgery.

Emergency warning signs

While serious complications are rare, it is important to act quickly if you notice signs of a medical emergency. You should call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you experience:

• Trouble breathing: Sudden shortness of breath or difficulty catching your breath.
• Chest pain: Pain or pressure in your chest, which can be a sign of a blood clot in the lungs.
• Severe leg symptoms: Pain, swelling, or redness in one leg (usually the calf), which may indicate a blood clot.
• Fainting: Passing out or feeling extremely lightheaded.
• Uncontrollable bleeding: Very heavy vaginal bleeding that does not slow down.

Call your surgeon or clinic if…

Contact your healthcare provider right away if you notice changes that suggest your recovery is not going as planned. Your clinician will want to know if you have:

• Fever: A temperature higher than 100.4°F (38°C) or chills.
• Heavy bleeding: Soaking through a sanitary pad in less than an hour, or passing large blood clots.
• Incision issues: Redness, swelling, or fluid draining from your cuts (incisions), or if the skin around the cut feels hot to the touch.
• Unmanaged pain: Pain that gets worse or does not improve after taking your prescribed pain medicine.
• Bladder or bowel problems: Inability to urinate (pee), severe pain when urinating, or severe nausea and vomiting that prevents you from keeping fluids down.

Expected vs concerning symptoms

Recovery looks different for everyone depending on the type of surgery (abdominal, laparoscopic, or hysteroscopic). Knowing what is normal can help you stay calm.

• Pain: Most people feel some pain and cramping for a few days to weeks. This is expected. It becomes concerning if the pain is severe, sharp, or suddenly gets worse instead of better.
• Vaginal Bleeding: Light spotting or staining is common for several days to a few weeks. It becomes concerning if the flow is bright red and heavier than a normal period.
• Incision Healing: It is expected for incisions to be slightly sore, bruised, or itchy as they heal. It is concerning if the wound opens up, smells bad, or has red streaks spreading from it.

Non-surgical treatments

Your clinician may suggest medications as a first step to manage symptoms. While these do not make the fibroids disappear, they can help control heavy bleeding and pain. Common options include hormonal birth control, such as pills or an intrauterine device (IUD), which can make periods lighter. Another option is GnRH agonists, which are medications that temporarily lower hormone levels to shrink the fibroids and improve blood counts.

There are also procedures that are less invasive than surgery. For example, uterine artery embolization uses small particles to block the blood supply to the fibroids, causing them to waste away. Your clinician might also discuss MRI-guided focused ultrasound, which uses sound waves to target and break down the fibroid tissue without any incisions.

Watchful waiting

Because uterine fibroids (noncancerous growths in the uterus) are usually not dangerous, you may not need treatment right away. If your symptoms are mild or if you have no symptoms at all, your clinician may recommend watchful waiting. This involves monitoring the fibroids over time with regular pelvic exams or ultrasound imaging to see if they grow or cause new problems.

For many people, fibroids grow slowly or stay the same size for years. In some cases, fibroids may even shrink on their own after menopause, when the body's production of certain hormones decreases. If you are close to menopause and your symptoms are manageable, waiting may be a helpful way to avoid surgery.

When surgery becomes the best option

Surgery may be recommended if non-surgical treatments do not provide enough relief or if the fibroids are causing significant health issues. Your clinician may suggest a myomectomy if you experience heavy menstrual bleeding that leads to anemia (a condition where you do not have enough healthy red blood cells) or if you have intense pelvic pressure and pain that interferes with your daily life.

A myomectomy is often the preferred surgical choice for those who wish to preserve their uterus or maintain their ability to have children. Other triggers for surgery include:

• Fibroids that are interfering with your ability to conceive or carry a pregnancy.
• Fibroids that have grown large enough to distort the shape of the uterus.
• Symptoms that have not improved after trying medications or other less invasive procedures.

Your clinician will help you weigh the benefits of surgery against the risks to decide the best timing for your care.

Hospital services that commonly perform this surgery

A myomectomy is a surgery to remove uterine fibroids, which are noncancerous growths in the uterus. This procedure is typically performed in hospitals or specialized surgical centers that focus on women’s health. You will likely work with a department called Gynecology or Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN).

Depending on the size and location of your fibroids, your clinician may recommend different surgical approaches. Some hospitals have specialized units for minimally invasive surgery, which uses smaller incisions and specialized cameras. Other cases may require an abdominal myomectomy, which is an open surgery performed in a standard operating room.

Many modern facilities also offer robotic-assisted surgery. This uses advanced technology to help the surgeon perform the procedure with high precision. Your care team will include surgeons, anesthesiologists (doctors who manage pain and sleep during surgery), and specialized nursing staff.

Patient resources and support services

Most hospitals provide resources to help you prepare for surgery and recover afterward. You may have access to patient navigators or coordinators who guide you through the scheduling and insurance process. Many centers also offer pre-operative education classes to explain what to expect on the day of your procedure.

• Pain Management Teams: These specialists work with you to ensure you are comfortable during your recovery in the hospital and at home.
• Social Work and Discharge Planning: These services help you arrange for any help you might need at home, such as physical therapy or home health assistance.
• Support Groups: Some health systems host groups for people dealing with uterine fibroids, providing a space to share experiences and find emotional support.

Your clinician may also provide written guides or digital portals where you can track your recovery milestones and communicate directly with your medical team.

Questions for choosing where to have surgery

Choosing the right facility is an important step in your care. You may want to look for a hospital that has significant experience with the specific type of myomectomy you need. Here is a checklist of questions to help you choose a facility:

• How many myomectomy procedures does this hospital perform each year?
• Does the facility offer minimally invasive options, such as laparoscopic or hysteroscopic surgery?
• What kind of specialized equipment or technology is available for this procedure?
• What is the typical length of stay for patients having this surgery at this location?
• Are there specialized nursing units dedicated to women's health or surgical recovery?
• What resources are available if I have questions or concerns during my recovery at home?

Your clinician may help you compare different locations based on your specific health needs and the complexity of your fibroids.

Conditions commonly treated by this procedure

A myomectomy is a surgical procedure primarily used to treat uterine fibroids. These are also called leiomyomas. Fibroids are common, noncancerous (benign) growths that develop in the muscular wall of the uterus, which is the organ where a baby grows during pregnancy.

Your clinician may suggest this procedure if fibroids are causing discomfort or interfering with your daily activities. Unlike a hysterectomy, which removes the entire uterus, a myomectomy only removes the fibroids and repairs the uterine wall. This approach allows you to keep your uterus, which may be a priority if you are planning a future pregnancy or prefer to keep the organ intact.

Related symptoms people search for

Uterine fibroids can cause a variety of symptoms depending on their size, number, and where they are located in the uterus. People often seek medical evaluation when they notice changes in their physical comfort or menstrual cycle. These symptoms may include:

• Heavy or long periods: Menstrual bleeding that is unusually heavy or lasts longer than seven days.
• Pelvic pressure: A feeling of fullness, heaviness, or pain in the lower belly or pelvic area.
• Frequent urination: Feeling the need to go to the bathroom more often or having trouble fully emptying the bladder.
• Bowel issues: Difficulty with bowel movements, such as constipation, caused by pressure on the rectum.
• Body aches: Dull pain that may be felt in the lower back or down the legs.

Because these symptoms can be associated with several different health concerns, it is important to have an evaluation by a healthcare provider. They can help determine if fibroids are the cause and discuss whether a myomectomy is an appropriate option for your specific situation.

Evidence overview

Myomectomy is a well-established surgical procedure designed to remove uterine fibroids while preserving the uterus. Medical evidence supports this surgery as an effective treatment for relieving symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding and pelvic pain. It is widely considered the standard of care for patients with fibroids who wish to become pregnant in the future or simply prefer to keep their uterus.

While the procedure effectively removes existing fibroids, it does not prevent new ones from developing. Research shows that fibroids can grow back over time, particularly in younger patients or those with many fibroids. Your clinician will evaluate the size, number, and location of your fibroids to determine if this approach offers the best chance for symptom relief and fertility preservation.

Safety notes and individualized care

Myomectomy is generally safe, with a low rate of complications. However, as with any surgery, there are risks involved. Your healthcare team will tailor your care plan based on your specific needs and the type of myomectomy performed (abdominal, laparoscopic, or hysteroscopic). Common safety considerations include:

• Blood loss: The uterus has a strong blood supply. While surgeons take steps to limit bleeding, there is a risk of blood loss that may require a transfusion.
• Scar tissue: Healing after surgery can create bands of scar tissue, known as adhesions, inside or outside the uterus.
• Infection or injury: There is a small risk of infection or accidental injury to nearby organs, such as the bladder or bowel.

In extremely rare cases where bleeding is severe and cannot be controlled, the surgeon may need to remove the uterus (hysterectomy) to ensure the patient's safety. This is an uncommon outcome, but it is a possibility that clinicians discuss before surgery.

Pregnancy is often possible after recovery, but safety during delivery is a key focus. If the surgery involved deep incisions in the uterine wall, your clinician may recommend a Cesarean section (C-section) for future deliveries. This precaution helps prevent the uterus from tearing during labor.

Sources used

• Mayo Clinic. Myomectomy.
• Johns Hopkins Medicine. Myomectomy.
• UpToDate. Uterine fibroids (leiomyomas): Open abdominal myomectomy procedure.