Myomectomy

Abstract

If fibroids require treatment, hysterectomy is usually the therapy of choice. Myomectomy is best reserved for women who wish to preserve their uterus and have a single large fibroid tumour; it is not normally recommended for either abnormal uterine bleeding or infertility. The blood supply of leiomyomas is from the periphery and is such that degeneration frequently ensues. Degeneration, in particular the acute degeneration that may occur in pregnancy, is rarely an indication for operation. Myomectomy has been associated with considerable blood loss intraoperatively and prolonged morbidity postoperatively. The former can be avoided by limiting the uterine circulation during surgery with a uterine tourniquet and vascular clamps. Atraumatic intracapsular removal of the tumour and perfect hemostasis will minimize the latter.