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Myomectomy (fibroid removal)
Category: Women's Health & Childbirth · All women's health & childbirth
What it is
A myomectomy removes fibroids (benign muscle growths) from the wall of the womb while preserving the womb itself. It can be open, keyhole, or through the vagina with a hysteroscope for fibroids bulging into the womb cavity.
Why it is done
It is chosen by people with symptomatic fibroids — heavy bleeding, pressure, fertility problems — who wish to keep their womb, as an alternative to hysterectomy or embolisation.
How to prepare
Assessment includes ultrasound or MRI mapping of fibroid number, size and position, and blood tests; iron or hormone treatment may be used first if you are anaemic. You fast before surgery and discuss future pregnancy plans, because they affect technique and later delivery advice.
What happens during the procedure
Under general anaesthetic, fibroids are cut out of the womb wall and the muscle is repaired in layers. Hysteroscopic myomectomy uses no cuts, passing instruments through the cervix. Open or keyhole surgery takes one to three hours depending on the fibroid load.
Afterwards — recovery & results
Stay is usually one to three nights for abdominal routes (day case for hysteroscopic). Recovery is about two to six weeks. You will be advised how long to wait before trying to conceive and that caesarean delivery may be recommended in future pregnancies if the womb wall was deeply cut.
Risks & considerations
Risks include significant bleeding (occasionally transfusion, rarely hysterectomy if bleeding cannot be controlled), infection, adhesions, fibroid recurrence over the years, and the risks of the chosen route. Your surgeon will discuss the likelihoods for your fibroid pattern.
Watch: Myomectomy (fibroid removal) videos
Real procedure videos from the MedicalVideos.com library. Some clinical footage is graphic — that is the nature of a medical video library.
Related guides on MedicalVideos.com
Frequently asked questions
Will fibroids come back?
New fibroids can grow over time, particularly in younger women; removal treats the current ones. Follow-up ultrasound is arranged if symptoms recur.
Why might a caesarean be advised later?
A deep cut into the womb muscle can weaken the wall for labour. If the cavity was entered, caesarean delivery is usually recommended for safety.
Related procedures — Women's Health & Childbirth
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