Myomectomy or Fibroid Removal Surgery: What You Should Know
Myomectomy, or fibroid removal surgery, is a very common surgery. If your doctor has advised you to get this surgery, there are five important questions you should ask before you decide.
Is Fibroid Removal Surgery Necessary for Me?
If your ultrasound shows fibroids, it doesn’t always mean you need surgery. Fibroid removal surgery should only be done in three situations:
- If your fibroid has become very large and is pressing on other organs.
- If you are having symptoms because of the fibroid, like heavy periods or painful periods
- If the fibroid is causing problems with your ability to get pregnant.
Only in these three cases should you think about having fibroid removal surgery.
How Will the Doctor Do the Surgery?
There are three ways to do fibroid surgery:
Open Surgery (Open Myomectomy): In this method, a big cut is made on your belly, and the fibroid is taken out. This is the old way of doing it.
Laparoscopic Myomectomy: This is the latest technology where the doctor makes two or three small cuts on your belly and uses a camera and small tools to remove the fibroid. This is the best method today because recovery is fast, there is less pain, and it does not cause scar tissue inside the belly that can cause infertility.
Hysteroscopic Myomectomy: If the fibroid is inside the uterus (where the baby grows), called a mucous fibroid, it can be removed through the vagina using a special camera and tools.
Today, laparoscopic myomectomy is the best choice for most fibroids, no matter the size or number.
Ask Your Doctor About Their Skill and the Hospital’s Equipment
If your doctor is doing laparoscopic surgery, ask if they have the skill to do it well. Also, check if the hospital has good quality equipment and the latest technology for this surgery. The success of your surgery depends a lot on the doctor’s skill and the tools they use.
How Do They Remove Large Fibroids Through Small Cuts?
In laparoscopic surgery, the fibroid is cut into small pieces inside the belly before removing it. This process is called morcellation. Now, a new technique called in-bag morcellation is used. In this, the fibroid is put inside a special bag inside the belly, and then cut into small pieces inside the bag. This way, no pieces are left inside the belly, so there is no risk of damage to other organs. Also, if the fibroid has cancer (which is very rare), it will not spread inside the belly.
If You Have Other Problems, Will They Be Treated Together?
If you have other problems like ovarian cysts or endometriosis along with fibroids, ask the doctor if they will treat those problems during the same surgery. Also, if you are having fibroid surgery to help with infertility, ask the doctor to check if your fallopian tubes are open. Treating all problems at once is better.
What About Fibroids Coming Back?
Fibroids can come back in about 5 to 10% of cases after surgery. So, ask your doctor if you will need any medicines or treatments after surgery to prevent fibroids from coming back.
Final Advice
Whenever you are advised to get fibroid removal surgery, think carefully and ask all your questions to the doctor before deciding. Clear all your doubts first.
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This is a simple guide to help you understand fibroid removal surgery and what questions to ask before you go for it.
