Myomectomy, a procedure used to remove fibroids, can help reduce pelvic pain and increase fertility. This eMedTV article describes this major surgery in detail, including risks, benefits, and alternatives.
Your doctor may be recommending a myomectomy, which is a type of treatment for fibroid symptoms. This eMedTV resource discusses how pelvic symptoms -- such as frequent, abnormal bleeding and infertility -- are common reasons for this recommendation.
This eMedTV resource offers tips on preparing for a myomectomy, such as arranging for someone to drive you home. Another important part of preparing for this procedure is knowing what will happen the day of and the days following your surgery.
This eMedTV segment explains what typically happens on the day of a myomectomy. By using things like an EKG and an intravenous line (IV), everything is controlled to maximize your safety and comfort during the procedure.
In the operating room, you will notice equipment, such as a blood pressure cuff and several monitors. This eMedTV article tells you what you need to know about a myomectomy and the operating room, including things you can expect to see and hear.
Since anesthesia is used, no pain is felt during a myomectomy. However, as this eMedTV page points out, myomectomy anesthesia does have risks, so it's important to discuss your medications and allergies with the anesthesiologist before the procedure.
This eMedTV segment outlines what happens during a myomectomy surgery, including what to expect before and after, and what happens when excessive bleeding occurs or the fibroids are too close to vital organs.
After a myomectomy, you may experience abdominal pain, nausea, and chills. This eMedTV Web page offers information on these and other symptoms you might experience after a myomectomy.
Myomectomy recovery generally lasts from four to six weeks. Before going home, as this eMedTV article explains, patients should receive instructions on driving, activity level, medication, and any other restrictions related to their recovery.
Possible results of a myomectomy include improved fertility and decreased pelvic pain. However, as this eMedTV Web page explains, these results vary from woman to woman, and symptoms return in approximately 15 out of 100 patients.
With any surgery, including a myomectomy, complications can occur. This section of the eMedTV library explains possible complications associated with this surgery, such as bleeding, infection, and lung or heart problems.
Having diabetes can increase your risk of complications (such as infection) with a myomectomy. This eMedTV resource tells you what you need to know about diabetes and myomectomy, including the need for good communication with your doctor.
Alternatives to a myomectomy include observation, medication, and other surgeries. This eMedTV Web page explores these and other alternatives and lists their possible risks, benefits, and outcomes.
You may wonder what you can expect without a myomectomy. This eMedTV page explains how your situation may get better, stay the same, or worsen without the procedure. Discuss all this with your doctor; the decision, however, is ultimately yours.
