Our surgeons can perform a myomectomy to remove uterine fibroids
Many women, particularly those in their reproductive years, develop one or more uterine fibroids. These non-cancerous growths grow and develop outside and inside the uterine cavity. The physicians at Athens OBGYN treat these benign tumors with everything from medications to surgeries. A myomectomy can preserve the uterus, making it a good option for women who plan to get pregnant.
When do our OBGYNs recommend myomectomies?
In some cases, our physicians take a “watch and wait” approach to uterine fibroids, especially when they are not causing any problems. However, if the growths start to cause symptoms like the following, we may recommend a myomectomy.
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Bleeding between periods
- Painful periods
- Pelvic pain
- Difficulty with urination or bowel movements
- Fertility problems
- Miscarriages
Women who hope to get pregnant in the future benefit from myomectomies because our physicians keep the uterus intact after the procedure. Removing the fibroids can also help improve fertility if the fibroids are blocking the fallopian tubes or otherwise interfering with pregnancy.
Types of myomectomies
Usually, OBGYNs perform this gynecological surgery using minimally invasive techniques that allow patients to go home the same day. Here are the different methods our surgeons use when a woman needs a myomectomy.
Laparoscopically – Our OBGYNs perform this procedure through two or more very small abdominal incisions. They insert a lighted laparoscope with a video camera into the abdominal cavity. They insert instruments into the cavity and remove the growths.
Vaginally – Our physicians insert a hysteroscope instrument into the vagina, through the cervix and into the uterine cavity. The doctors use this rigid, lit instrument to see and remove fibroids without making any incisions.
Abdominally – Sometimes, uterine fibroids are very large, or there are many growths. In those cases, our OBGYNs may recommend abdominal surgery with general anesthesia.
What to expect after a myomectomy
Recovery from surgery is different for patients who have a minimally invasive procedure, such as a laparoscopic or hysteroscopic myomectomy, than for those who need an abdominal surgery.
- Patients who have laparoscopic surgery often go home the same day. They usually need to rest at home for about two to four weeks.
- Those who have vaginal, hysteroscopic surgery almost always go home the same day and may return to work in a couple of days.
- Women who have abdominal surgery have a longer recovery, lasting about four to six weeks.
Our team gives patients detailed discharge instructions. If patients bleed heavily, develop a fever or chills, have trouble breathing, or have chest pain or unmanageable pain, they should call our office.
The physicians at Athens OBGYN expertly and skillfully treat women who have fibroids
Our OBGYNs have years of experience treating uterine fibroids. Whether a woman needs medication or a procedure such as a myomectomy, our physicians have the training and ability to help. Contact us for an appointment.
