Myomectomy (Fibroid Removal)

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What is a myomectomy (fibroid removal)?

myomectomy

Myomectomy, also called fibroidectomy, is a surgical procedure to remove a fibroid or fibrous growth from the uterus. The procedure aims to remove only the fibroid, leaving the uterus in place.

It is typically carried out through abdominal surgery or laparoscopic surgery.

Why do you need a myomectomy?

Your doctor may recommend a myomectomy to preserve your fertility if you have:

A fibroid that causes pain or bleeding
Problems with childbearing

Your gynaecologist may recommend a myomectomy instead of a hysterectomy if:

You plan to have children in the future
Your fertility is affected by the uterine fibroid
You want to retain your uterus

What are the risks and complications of myomectomy?

Myomectomy is a safe procedure, with low risk of complications. However, like any other surgery, it carries a small risk.

Complications can include:

Bleeding
Damage to nearby organs
Infection
Perforation of the uterus
Reoccurrence of new fibroids after surgery, especially in younger women. The nearer you are to menopause, the less likely the fibroids will recur.
Scar tissue
Weakening of the uterus and the possibility of a rupture.

Note: You may need a caesarean section for your next pregnancy. Let your gynaecologist know that you have had a prior myomectomy so that your pregnancy can be managed safely.

How do you prepare for a myomectomy?

Before you undergo the myomectomy procedure, your doctor will advise you on how to prepare. This may include:

Refraining from food or drink 6 hours before surgery.
Stopping medications, supplements or vitamins for a period of time before and after surgery. Inform your surgeon about any medication, supplements or vitamins you are taking.
Consuming medicine to clear your bowels before the surgery.

What can you expect for a myomectomy?

Depending on the number, location and size of your fibroids, there are different surgical options for myomectomy:

Robotic myomectomy

Your surgeon will make small incisions on your abdomen to give robotic arms and surgical tools access to your uterus. This minimises bleeding and enables the surgeon to cut away the fibroids from the surrounding uterine tissue with precision.

Your surgeon will cut the fibroids into smaller pieces that can be easily removed via the initial incisions.

You will experience less post-surgical pain and quicker recovery than with abdominal myomectomy.

Hysteroscopic myomectomy

This procedure removes fibroids located within the inner lining of the uterus. Your surgeon will remove your fibroids through a scope that enters your uterus through the cervix.

Recovery takes just a few days.

Laparoscopic myomectomy

This procedure removes fewer and smaller fibroids. However, it may work for large fibroids too.

Your surgeon will remove the fibroids using a laparoscopic arm inserted through several small incisions on the abdomen. Because the incisions are small, this procedure causes less pain than an abdominal myomectomy.

Full recovery can take between 4 – 6 weeks.

Abdominal myomectomy

This procedure removes large fibroids.

Your surgeon will make a surgical cut to your lower abdomen to get to the fibroids and remove them. The uterine muscle is sewn back together after that.

Full recovery can take up to 6 weeks.

Care and recovery after a myomectomy

Your hospital stay and recovery time will vary depending on the type of myomectomy performed and your own body’s reaction.

Abdominal myomectomy:

1 – 2 nights hospital stay for observation.
6 – 8 weeks of reduced activity or bed rest.

Hysteroscopic myomectomy:

As this is an outpatient procedure, you will be able to return home after 1 – 2 hours in the recovery room.

Laparoscopic myomectomy:

At least a night’s stay in the hospital for observation.
4 weeks of reduced activity or bed rest after discharge.

Robotic myomectomy:

At least a night’s stay in the hospital for observation.
4 weeks of reduced activity or bed rest after discharge.

Frequently asked questions

A: It will take 3 – 6 months for your uterus to recover back to its original size after myomectomy.

A: You may need about 4 – 6 weeks to fully recover from the procedure.

A: After a myomectomy, the suggested waiting time is 3 – 6 months before attempting conception to allow your uterus time to heal.

A: Outcomes from myomectomy may include:

Relief of symptoms. After myomectomy surgery, most women experience relief of symptoms, such as excessive menstrual bleeding and pelvic pain and pressure.
Improvement in fertility. For fibroids that have encroached into the pregnancy area (endometrial cavity) of the womb, there is an increased chance of pregnancy after those fibroids are removed.

A: After myomectomy surgery, most women experience relief of signs and symptoms such as excessive menstrual bleeding.

A: There is no definite size a fibroid needs to be before removal. Fibroids vary greatly in size, from the size of the pea to as large as a watermelon. Based on the size of the fibroid and its impact on your uterus and surrounding organs, your doctor may recommend surgery or a non-invasive treatment for removing the fibroid.

A: Large fibroids can be removed laparoscopically based on the position of the fibroid and technique of laparoscopic surgery. There are injections to shrink large fibroids so that it becomes more possible for the fibroids to be removed by laparoscopic surgery.

A: Uterine fibroids are typically not cancerous. You can decide whether you want to have them removed. You may not need surgery if your fibroids do not bother you.

Why choose Gleneagles Hospital?

At Gleneagles, we offer a comprehensive range of obstetrics and gynaecology services for patients in Singapore and the region.

Patients with fibroid conditions receive personalised care from our team of skilled and experienced obstetrics and gynaecology specialists when they come here for myomectomy procedures.

We are accredited by Joint Commission International, the recognised global leader in health care management.

Estimated cost

Private healthcare can be affordable. Use our Hospital Bill Estimator to determine the estimated cost of this procedure. If you have hospital insurance, find out how you can use your insurance.

Our obstetricians and gynaecologists

At Gleneagles Hospital, our ObGyns are adept in diagnosing and managing a wide range of women’s health issues including fibroid conditions.

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Myomectomy (Fibroid Removal)

What is a myomectomy (fibroid removal)?

Why do you need a myomectomy?

What are the risks and complications of myomectomy?

How do you prepare for a myomectomy?