- Minimally Invasive: Small incisions are made to remove uterine fibroids while preserving the uterus.
- Recommended For: Women with symptomatic fibroids who want to maintain fertility or avoid hysterectomy.
- Procedure: Involves anesthesia, small incisions, removal of fibroids, and uterine repair, with quick recovery.
- Benefits: Faster recovery, less pain, smaller scars, and preserved fertility, but possible risks include fibroid recurrence and bleeding.
Laparoscopic Myomectomy: Detailed Overview
Laparoscopic myomectomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to remove uterine fibroids (also called myomas or leiomyomas) while preserving the uterus. It is often the preferred option for women who wish to retain fertility or avoid a hysterectomy.
🧬 What Are Uterine Fibroids?
Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in or on the uterus. They can vary in size, number, and location and may cause symptoms like:
- Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding
- Pelvic pain or pressure
- Frequent urination
- Infertility or pregnancy complications
🛠️ What Is Laparoscopic Myomectomy?
It is a keyhole surgery performed under general anesthesia, involving small incisions through which a laparoscope (camera) and surgical instruments are inserted to remove fibroids from the uterus.
🏥 When Is Laparoscopic Myomectomy Recommended?
- Women with symptomatic fibroids (pain, heavy bleeding, pressure)
- Those wishing to maintain fertility or keep their uterus
- When fibroids are moderate in size and number
- Fibroids are accessible laparoscopically (not deeply embedded or excessively large)
🔬 Procedure Steps
- Anesthesia: General anesthesia is administered.
- Incisions: 3–4 small cuts (0.5–1 cm) are made in the abdomen.
- Gas Inflation: CO₂ gas is used to expand the abdomen for better visibility.
- Insertion of Instruments: A camera (laparoscope) and surgical tools are inserted.
- Fibroid Removal: Fibroids are carefully excised from the uterus.
- Uterus Repair: The uterus is stitched internally to preserve its integrity.
- Closure: Instruments are removed and incisions are closed with sutures or surgical glue.
🕒 Duration and Recovery
- Surgery Time: Typically 1–3 hours, depending on number and size of fibroids.
- Hospital Stay: Usually same-day discharge or 1 overnight stay.
- Recovery Time: Most women recover in 1–2 weeks, compared to 4–6 weeks for open surgery.
- Fertility: Many women can conceive naturally post-recovery.
✅ Benefits of Laparoscopic Myomectomy
- Minimally invasive with less pain and scarring
- Faster recovery and shorter hospital stay
- Less blood loss compared to open surgery
- Preserves the uterus and reproductive potential
- Lower risk of complications and infections
⚠️ Possible Risks and Complications
- Bleeding or need for blood transfusion
- Damage to surrounding organs (rare)
- Fibroid recurrence
- Uterine rupture in future pregnancies (rare but possible)
- Conversion to open surgery if complications arise
👶 Fertility After Myomectomy
- Many women conceive successfully after myomectomy
- Doctors usually advise waiting 3–6 months before trying to conceive
- Cesarean delivery may be recommended in future pregnancies, depending on the location and depth of uterine incisions
❗ When Laparoscopic Myomectomy May Not Be Suitable
- Very large or numerous fibroids
- Deeply embedded intramural fibroids
- Significant scarring or previous abdominal surgeries
- Surgeon’s skill and experience (not all surgeons offer laparoscopic approach)
🧾 Conclusion
Laparoscopic myomectomy is an effective and less invasive option for treating uterine fibroids in women who want symptom relief while preserving their uterus and fertility. It offers faster recovery, less pain, and excellent outcomes when performed by experienced surgeons.
