Myomectomy is the surgical removal of fibroids from the uterus leaving the uterus intact. There are a number of alternative methods of performing this type of surgery, the most common is via an abdominal incision on the bikini line and is more appropriate where the fibroids are large, numerous, or in many different locations.
A myomectomy can also be performed vaginally through the cervix and this is best suited to those fibroids that are small, on the inside of the uterine wall, and usually have a stalk.
This procedure may be performed under local anaesthetic after the cervix has been enlarged overnight, it is generally termed ‘minimally invasive’ which means that the procedure is not as drastic as a hysterectomy might be.
Laparoscopic myomectomies are also minimally invasive but are more difficult to perform. They require the use of a laparoscope and abdominal incision. Gas is used in the abdomen to move the various organs out of the way so that the surgeon can see clearly. It is a procedure best suited to small and superficial fibroids.
UK patients can find out more about Myomectomy at the minimally invasive therapy unit and endoscopy training unit website.