What is Myomectomy—Laparoscopic Surgery?

This surgery involves removing fibroids from the wall of the uterus (womb). Fibroids are noncancerous tumors in the muscle of the uterus.

Myomectomy is done to relieve problems caused by fibroids without doing a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus). These problems can include:

• Pelvic pain
• Back pain
• Pressure on the bladder
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding
• Difficulty becoming pregnant
• Discomfort during sexual intercourse

The symptoms caused by fibroids are often successfully controlled with this procedure. This may include a return to a normal menstrual cycle and the ability to become pregnant.

Possible Complications

Complications are rare, but no procedure is completely free of risk. If you are planning to have a myomectomy, your doctor will review a list of possible complications, which may include:

• Bleeding
• Surgical wound infection
• Recurrence of fibroids
• Damage to other organs
• Wall of the uterus may be weakened if a large fibroid is removed
• Reactions to anesthesia
• Need for special precautions in pregnancy (eg, need to deliver by cesarean section )
• Pelvic adhesions that can cause pain and/or bowel blockage
• Problems found during surgery that make removal of the uterus necessary
• Severe scarring, resulting in infertility

Factors that may increase the risk of complications include:

• Obesity
• Chronic or recent illness *...