What is a laparoscopic myomectomy?
Laparoscopic myomectomy is the surgical resection of uterine fibroids (leiomyomas), which are non-malignant tumours that develop inside and on the uterus. Not all uterine fibroids are symptomatic. However, when symptoms occur, the following may develop
- Extremely heavy flow
- Increased urination
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Back pain
Fibroids are unhealthy growths that comprise muscle cells and connective tissue that develop within or on the exterior of the uterus. You may suffer from one or several fibroids that all differ in size.
Uterine fibroids are categorised according to their location in the uterus. For example, uterine fibroids can be classified as the following:
- Intramural fibroids: These fibroids can be found within the sturdy, muscular uterine wall.
- Submucosal fibroids: These types of fibroids are located underneath the uterine lining.
- Subserosal fibroids: Subserosal fibroids occur on the exterior of the uterine wall.
A myomectomy is strongly advised when the fibroids become symptomatic, or the location of these growths impacts fertility.
What happens during a laparoscopic myomectomy?
The procedure aims to eradicate all fibroids and preserve the tissue in the uterus in order to ensure you can still fall pregnant much later on. For those who still wish to conceive, a myomectomy is an excellent alternative to a hysterectomy, which is a procedure to remove the entire uterus.
An illuminated tube (laparoscope) and other surgical equipment are placed through tiny incisions over the abdominal region. Dr Amaechina then prepares to surgically resect the fibroids. Following the procedure, you may develop abdominal pain for a few days. In addition, the abdominal region may begin to swell due to the harmless gas used to inflate the region in order to obtain a detailed view of the inside of the abdominal cavity. Furthermore, you may develop a significant change affecting your regular day-to-day bowel movements. For the first week, cramping is to be expected.
FAQ
A myomectomy is performed to minimise heavy bleeding between periods, to reduce symptoms of iron-deficiency anaemia due to heavy blood loss and to relieve pelvic pain and pressure within the pelvis.
It’s considered normal to develop pain in the shoulder and back.
90-120 minutes