Why is this procedure done?
The uterus is an organ where the baby grows when a woman is pregnant. The uterus is also called the womb. The uterus is in the lower belly. Some women develop tough balls of muscle in the womb. These balls of muscle are called fibroids. You may have fibroids inside or outside of the womb. You may also have fibroids in the wall of the womb, which is the most common place. Fibroids may cause pain or pressure in the pelvic area. Fibroids may also cause too much bleeding during menstruation. ‚
A myomectomy is a procedure to take out the fibroids. Your doctor may suggest this surgery if you have fibroids and: ‚
- Want to get pregnant
- Have heavy menstrual bleeding
- Have pain or pressure from the fibroids
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What will the results be?
- Normal menstrual period
- Less pain and pressure in the pelvic area
- Better chance of getting pregnant
- May prevent the need for a total removal of the womb
What happens before the procedure?
- Your doctor will take your history. Talk to the doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some examples are Coumadin, ibuprofen, Aleve (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about all of your drugs.
- If you need to stop eating or drinking before your procedure.
- Your doctor will do an exam and may order:
- Ultrasounds
- X-ray of the inside of your womb
- The doctor may order a hysteroscopy. A hysterectomy will let the doctor look into the uterus through the vagina. This view is sometimes needed to help the doctor decide the best way to take out the fibroids. Hysteroscopy is a minor surgery and is done on an outpatient basis.
- Your doctor may order other treatments to shrink the fibroids before surgery is used. These treatments include adding iron supplements and hormones.
- You will not be allowed to drive right away after the procedure. Ask a family member or a friend to drive you home.
What happens during the procedure?
- Once you are in the operating room, the staff will put an IV in your arm to give you fluids and drugs. You will be given a drug to make you sleepy. The drug will also help you stay pain free during the surgery.
- When you are asleep, the doctors put a tube in your mouth to help you breathe. Doctors may also put another small tube in your nose. This tube goes down to your stomach to drain out any food or fluid that might come out during surgery. You will have a tube in your bladder to drain urine.
- Your doctor will make 3 to 4 small cuts in your belly. A scope with a tiny camera is put through one of the small cuts to look at the uterus. Your doctor will put small surgical tools into the holes to do the procedure. To be able to view the site, gas will be put in the abdomen. Then, the fibroid(s) will be removed. Your doctor will close your cuts with stitches or staples and cover the cuts with clean bandages.
- This procedure may take 2 hours.
What happens after the procedure?
- You will go to the Recovery Room and the staff will watch you closely. You may have to stay in the hospital for 1 to 2 days.
- You will continue to get drugs for pain. You may have an IV pain pump. The IV pain pump is controlled by a button that you push when you have pain. Ask your doctor about what options you will have to relieve your pain after the surgery.
- The tube in your bladder will be removed the day after your surgery. You may feel some burning the first time you pass urine after the tube is removed.
- Later that day, you will get out of bed to a chair. The staff will help you begin to walk around. Doing coughing and deep breathing exercises will help keep your lungs clear.
- Moving your legs in bed is important. Use a small pillow to put pressure on your belly. The pressure can make you more comfortable when you cough, laugh, or do other actions.
- You will be given clear liquids and ice chips after surgery. You can eat solid food after you are awake and your digestive tract is working after the surgery.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain
- Prevent infection
What problems could happen?
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Fibroids come back
- Injury to the uterus
- Possibly needing a C-section for future deliveries
Where can I learn more?
Better Health Channel ‚
http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Myomectomy ‚
National Institute of Child Health & Human Development ‚
http://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/uterine/conditioninfo/treatments/Pages/surgical-treatments.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚