Myomectomy is a surgical procedure that involves removal of fibroids only without removing the uterus. Depending on the size and location of the fibroids, they can be removed in multiple ways as described below. Open surgery is the commonest route of myomectomy done by gynaecologists. Due to our long years of experience in minimally invasive surgery, we've replaced open myomectomy with laparoscopic or hysteroscopic myomectomy for our patients.

1. Hysteroscopic Myomectomy

It is also referred to as hysteroscopic resection of fibroid. It's suitable for fibroids that occur within cavity of the uterus. These fibroids are removed using a fine, slender instrument known as hysteroscope.

2. Open Abdominal Myomectomy

This is the standard method of removing fibroids from the abdomen and it's the foremost common route of myomectomy performed by gynaecologists. The fibroid is removed via an oversized incision on the abdominal skin (laparotomy). The incision are often horizontal (a bikini line incision) or vertical from just under the navel to pubic bone. Complete recovery usually takes 4-6 weeks.

3. Our specialized procedure - Laparoscopic (keyhole) Myomectomy

Instead of a large bikini line incision, our minimally invasive surgeon makes only tiny incisions (typically 0.5 – 1cm) on the abdomen and uses laparoscopic instruments to get rid of the fibroids.

Compared to open myomectomy, minimally invasive surgery offers the benefits of less pain, infection, and scarring, in addition a faster return to normal activities.

Special concerns of myomectomy

Myomectomy is an efficient way to remove fibroids. However, there are some special concerns that a woman need to be aware of prior to myomectomy.

Bleeding throughout the operation - The risk is particularly higher if there are multiple fibroids to be removed. There are blood vessels connecting the fibroids and also the uterus tissue. Separating a fibroid from the attached tissue will usually cause additional bleeding than a hysterectomy.

Recurrence of fibroids - Younger the patient, higher the chance that fibroids might recur before reaching menopause.

Special precautions during pregnancy – Post myomectomy if the woman has conceived then the definite mode of delivery is caesarean section. generally advised the woman to possess caesarean section. This is due to the chance of rupture of the myomectomy scar on the uterus when the woman gets into labour.

Because of these special concerns and if the woman decides not to get pregnant in the future, hysterectomy can provide a permanent solution and definitive cure to her fibroid issues.