At WIH Hospital in Bangkok, we specialize in advanced gynecological care, empowering women to live free from the discomfort of uterine fibroids. Our dedicated team of board-certified specialists offers expert myomectomy, a highly effective surgical solution designed to remove fibroids while preserving your uterus. Discover how our patient-centered approach and advanced techniques can provide lasting relief from uterine fibroid pain and symptoms, helping you reclaim your well-being.
Myomectomy: Advanced Uterine Fibroid Treatment
⌵ What is Myomectomy?
Myomectomy is a precise surgical procedure specifically performed to remove uterine fibroids (also known as leiomyomas). Unlike a hysterectomy, which involves removing the entire uterus, a myomectomy of the uterus focuses solely on extracting these non-cancerous growths, leaving the uterus intact. This is a crucial distinction, especially for women who wish to preserve their fertility and capacity for future pregnancies. The primary purpose of myomectomy is to alleviate symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, pressure, and improve fertility outcomes, offering significant relief and enhancing quality of life.
⌵ Understanding Uterine Fibroids
Uterine fibroids are incredibly common, non-cancerous muscular tumors that grow within the wall of the uterus. While many women with fibroids experience no symptoms, others can suffer from significant discomfort and health issues. Myomectomy is typically recommended when fibroids cause:
Heavy and Prolonged Menstrual Bleeding: Leading to anemia and fatigue.
Severe Pelvic Pain or Pressure: Often described as a feeling of fullness or discomfort in the lower abdomen.
Frequent Urination or Constipation: If fibroids press on the bladder or rectum.
Infertility or Pregnancy Complications: Fibroids can sometimes interfere with conception or increase risks during pregnancy.
Fibroids that are Rapidly Growing or Large: Especially if they cause significant symptoms.
Our specialists will conduct a thorough evaluation, including advanced imaging (like ultrasound or MRI), to determine if myomectomy is the most suitable uterine fibroid pain treatment and overall solution for your specific condition.
⌵Types of Myomectomy Procedures
At WIH Hospital, we offer various advanced myomectomy procedures, carefully selected based on the size, number, and location of your fibroids, as well as your overall health and future fertility plans. Our goal is to choose the least invasive yet most effective approach:
Laparoscopic Myomectomy (Minimally Invasive)
This is our preferred method for many cases due to its significant patient benefits. Laparoscopic myomectomy involves small abdominal incisions through which a thin, lighted telescope (laparoscope) and specialized instruments are inserted. This allows for precise fibroid surgery and uterus removal with minimal disruption to surrounding tissues.
Hysteroscopic Myomectomy (Vaginal Approach)
For fibroids that protrude into the uterine cavity (submucosal fibroids), a hysteroscopic myomectomy procedure is performed. A thin scope (hysteroscope) is inserted through the vagina and cervix into the uterus. No abdominal incisions are needed for this type of fibroid removal.
Abdominal (Open) Myomectomy
While less common now due to advancements in minimally invasive techniques, an open abdominal myomectomy involves a single larger incision in the lower abdomen. This approach may be necessary for very large fibroids, numerous fibroids, or in complex cases where minimally invasive options are not suitable.
⌵Step-by-Step Surgical Process at WIH Hospital
When you choose WIH Hospital for your myomectomy, here’s a general overview of the surgical process:
- Pre-Surgical Preparation: After a thorough consultation and diagnostic tests, you’ll receive detailed instructions for preparing for your surgery, including dietary guidelines and medication adjustments. Our team ensures you’re fully informed and comfortable.
- Anesthesia and Incisions: On the day of your procedure, general anesthesia will be administered. For laparoscopic approaches, small incisions (typically 0.5-1 cm) will be made in your abdomen. For hysteroscopy, no external incisions are needed.
- Visualization and Access: A laparoscope is inserted, providing the surgeon with a magnified, clear view of the uterus and fibroids on a monitor. Carbon dioxide gas may be used to inflate the abdomen, creating space for the surgeon to work.
- Fibroid Removal: The surgeon will carefully make an incision into the uterus over each fibroid. The fibroids are then precisely enucleated (shelled out) from the uterine wall, taking utmost care to preserve healthy uterine tissue.
- Uterine Repair and Closure: The incisions made in the uterus are stitched closed in layers to promote optimal healing and minimize scarring. Removed fibroids are then extracted through one of the small incisions.
- Final Closure: All instruments are removed, and the small abdominal incisions are closed with sutures or surgical tape, leading to excellent cosmetic outcomes.
⌵Post-Operative Care & Myomectomy Recovery
Your myomectomy recovery is a priority at WIH Hospital. Our dedicated nursing team will provide comprehensive care to ensure a smooth and comfortable recuperation.
Immediate Post-Operative Care:
Monitoring and Pain Management: You’ll be closely monitored in the recovery room. Medication will be prescribed to manage any pain or discomfort effectively.
Short Hospital Stay: Laparoscopic myomectomy often allows for a shorter hospital stay (1-2 days) compared to open surgery.
At-Home Recovery & Life-Long Instructions:
Activity Restrictions: You will receive clear guidelines on when to resume light activities, avoid heavy lifting, and refrain from strenuous exercise. Gentle walking is encouraged early on.
Resuming Normal Activities: Most patients can return to light work within 1-2 weeks for minimally invasive procedures. Full recovery and internal healing typically take 3-6 months.
Sexual Activity: The surgeon will advise when it is safe to resume sexual activity, usually after internal healing is confirmed (around 4-6 weeks).
Follow-Up Appointments: Attend all scheduled follow-up visits at WIH Hospital. These appointments are crucial for monitoring your healing, discussing any pathology results, and addressing any questions or concerns you may have.
Fertility Considerations: If fertility preservation were a goal, the surgeon would discuss the optimal timing for attempting pregnancy after your recovery.
Ongoing Wellness: Continue with regular gynecological check-ups to monitor your overall health and uterine well-being.
⌵Benefits of Myomectomy: Why Choose This Fibroid Solution
Choosing myomectomy for your fibroid treatment offers significant advantages, especially at WIH Hospital:
Uterus Preservation: The most significant benefit for women desiring future pregnancies or wishing to avoid hysterectomy.
Effective Symptom Relief: Provides lasting relief from heavy bleeding, pain, and pressure caused by fibroids.
Minimally Invasive Options: Laparoscopic myomectomy approaches lead to:
Reduced Pain: Less post-operative discomfort.
Faster Recovery: Quicker return to daily life.
Smaller Incisions: Minimal scarring for improved cosmetic outcome.
Less Blood Loss: Lower risk of transfusion.
Lower Risk of Infection: Compared to open surgery.
Improved Fertility Potential: For women struggling with fibroid-related infertility.
Enhanced Precision: Advanced techniques allow for fibroid removal while preserving healthy uterine tissue.
⌵Begin Your Journey to Freedom from Fibroids Today
Don’t let uterine fibroid pain and symptoms dictate your life. Contact WIH Hospital in Bangkok today to schedule a confidential consultation with one of our expert gynecological surgeons. Discover how an expertly performed myomectomy can restore your health, comfort, and confidence.
FAQ
What exactly are uterine fibroids, and why do they need treatment?
Uterine fibroids are common, non-cancerous growths that develop in the wall of the uterus. While many women don’t experience symptoms, fibroids can cause significant issues like heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, pressure on your bladder or bowel, and even fertility challenges. When symptoms severely impact your quality of life or reproductive health, myomectomy becomes an effective uterine fibroid pain treatment and removal solution.
Is myomectomy the only treatment for uterine fibroids?
No, myomectomy is one of several treatment options for uterine fibroids. Other approaches might include medication to manage symptoms, uterine artery embolization (UAE), or for some, a hysterectomy (removal of the entire uterus). However, myomectomy is unique in its ability to remove fibroids while preserving the uterus, making it ideal for women who wish to retain their fertility. Your specialist at WIH Hospital will discuss all suitable options based on your specific condition and goals.
What are the main differences between a myomectomy and a hysterectomy?
The key difference lies in what is removed. A myomectomy is a fibroid surgery uterus where only the fibroids are removed, preserving the uterus. A hysterectomy, on the other hand, involves the complete removal of the uterus. For women planning future pregnancies or those who prefer to keep their uterus, myomectomy is generally the preferred choice.
Is Laparoscopic Myomectomy suitable for all types of fibroids?
Laparoscopic myomectomy (and robotic myomectomy) is suitable for a wide range of fibroids, particularly those located on the outer surface or within the wall of the uterus. For fibroids that protrude into the uterine cavity, a hysteroscopic myomectomy procedure might be recommended. Your surgeon at WIH Hospital will determine the most appropriate minimally invasive technique based on a thorough evaluation of your fibroid’s size, number, and location.
What is the typical myomectomy recovery time?
One of the major benefits of myomectomy laparoscopic surgery is a faster myomectomy recovery. Most patients can expect to return to light activities within 1-2 weeks. Full internal healing and resumption of all normal activities typically occur within 3 to 6 months. We provide detailed post-operative care instructions to ensure a smooth recovery journey.
Will a myomectomy affect my ability to get pregnant in the future?
For many women, myomectomy improves their chances of getting pregnant, especially if fibroids were contributing to infertility or recurrent miscarriages. By removing the fibroids, the uterus’s ability to carry a pregnancy is restored. Your surgeon will discuss specific recommendations regarding future pregnancies and optimal timing after your myomectomy of the uterus.
Are there any risks associated with myomectomy?
Like any surgical procedure, myomectomy carries some risks, although they are generally low, especially with minimally invasive techniques. Potential risks include bleeding, infection, damage to surrounding organs, or, rarely, the need to convert to an open procedure. Our experienced surgeons at WIH Hospital take every precaution to minimize these risks, and they will discuss all potential complications with you thoroughly during your consultation.
How long does the myomectomy procedure usually take?
The duration of a myomectomy procedure can vary depending on the number, size, and location of the fibroids, as well as the surgical approach (laparoscopic, robotic, hysteroscopic, or open). Typically, minimally invasive procedures can range from 1 to 3 hours. Your surgeon will provide a more precise estimate during your pre-operative consultation.
What kind of pain management can I expect after myomectomy?
At WIH Hospital, we prioritize your comfort. You will receive medication to effectively manage post-operative pain and discomfort. Our nursing team will closely monitor you and ensure your pain is controlled, allowing for a more comfortable and faster myomectomy recovery.
Can fibroids grow back after a myomectomy?
While a myomectomy removes existing fibroids, new fibroids can develop in the future. The rate of recurrence depends on various factors, including the number of fibroids removed and your genetic predisposition. Regular follow-up with your gynecologist is recommended to monitor for any new fibroid growth.
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