Uterine fibroids, non-cancerous growths, lead to various symptoms that include pelvic pain, heavy and irregular menstrual bleeding, and pressure on adjacent organs. When conservative treatments fall short, surgical interventions become necessary. Myomectomy is a surgical procedure opted to treat the uterine fibroids. This surgical procedure has different types, including laparoscopic or robotic myomectomy. This type of myomectomy has emerged as the most favored method to remove fibroids, minimize invasiveness, and facilitate a speedier recovery. This procedure has represented a significant advancement in the surgical management of uterine fibroids.
Laparoscopic Myomectomy Procedure
Laparoscopic myomectomy involves making a small incision in one’s abdomen. A laparoscope, a thin, illuminated tube with a camera that provides real-time images of pelvic organs, enables the surgeons to navigate and perform the procedure accurately and precisely. Once in place, the surgeon identifies the positioning of fibroids and then uses his/her instruments carefully to remove them.
Advantages
Less scarring
The primary benefit of laparoscopic myomectomy is the minimal scarring that it leaves. The incision is small, less than an inch, and so leaves a less visible scar than substantial scars associated with abdominal myomectomy.
Reduced blood loss
Decreased blood loss is observed with the laparoscopic method, as it enables improved visibility and management of blood vessels. Consequently, this is linked to a decreased probability of requiring blood transfusions.
Fast recovery
Generally, a quicker recovery is reported by patients who undergo laparoscopic surgery. Since the small incision calls for less postoperative pain, the patients can resume their everyday routine earlier than after other procedures.
Shorter hospital stay
The minimally invasive nature of the laparoscopic procedure allows patients to have shorter stays at the hospital as compared to those undergoing the traditional abdominal myomectomy. This makes your return to daily life quicker and lowers the healthcare cost.
Preservation of uterine function
Laparoscopic myomectomy is associated with the precise removal of fibroids while preserving the integrity and function of the uterus. This is specifically important for patients who want to maintain fertility and retain their uterus for other reasons.
Risks and complications
We see that laparoscopic myomectomy offers many advantages. However, it is still not suitable for all cases. The fibroids’ size, number, and location influence this approach’s feasibility. Larger fibroids can pose challenges during this removal. The surgeon’s expertise plays a major role in the success of laparoscopic myomectomy.
Therefore, patients must consult and discuss all cases and scenarios with their healthcare providers to develop the most appropriate surgical approach that suits their circumstances.
