As a result, what was once a major surgical procedure can now be done on an outpatient basis. Myomectomy Uterine fibroids are benign tumors of the muscle wall of the uterus, and are a fairly common finding in women as they get older. Fibroids do not usually cause any problems unless they grow large or develop inside the uterus. As they get bigger, fibroids can cause pelvic pressure or pain by compressing other organs in the pelvis or lower abdominal cavity, such as the bowel or the bladder. If the fibroids grow into the cavity of the uterus, they can irritate the lining and cause very heavy menstrual bleeding, occasionally leading to anemia.
Fibroid tumors are the most common indication for hysterectomy.
This procedure, a myomectomy, can be performed by open surgery or by laparoscopy, depending on the size, quantity and location of the tumors. If a fibroid is located inside the uterus, hysteroscopy, which involves placing a small scope through the cervix into the cavity, can be performed and the fibroid can be shaved out in small pieces. Myomectomy allows the patient to retain her fertility if desired, or allows her to keep her uterus. If it is performed laparoscopically or hysteroscopically, the patient can usually go home the same day and return to normal activity quickly. In women who plan to get pregnant in the future and who have a large fibroid that is located deep in the wall of the uterus, it is recommended that an open procedure be done.