Myomectomy

Myomectomy (my-o-MEK-tuh-me) is a surgical procedure to remove uterine fibroids — also called leiomyomas (lie-o-my-O-muhs). These common noncancerous growths appear in the uterus. Uterine fibroids usually develop during childbearing years, but they can occur at any age.

Myomectomy is a type of surgery used to remove uterine fibroids. Your doctor might recommend this surgery if your fibroids are causing symptoms such as:

Pelvic pain
Heavy periods
Irregular bleeding
Frequent urination

A myomectomy can be done one of three ways:

bdominal myomectomy lets your surgeon remove your fibroids through an open surgical cut in your lower belly.
Laparoscopic myomectomy allows your surgeon to remove your fibroids through several small incisions. This may be done robotically. It’s less invasive and recovery is faster than with abdominal myomectomy.
Hysteroscopic myomectomy requires your surgeon to use a special scope to remove your fibroids through your vagina and cervix.

Is a myomectomy a major surgery?

Also known as an “open” myomectomy, an abdominal myomectomy is a major surgical procedure. It involves making an incision through the skin on the lower abdomen, known as a “bikini cut,” and removing the fibroids from the wall of the uterus.