Our Summary

This research paper is about a new method that surgeons have developed to remove non-cancerous growths from the uterus, called myomas, in a safer way. The method involves using a homemade bag to contain the tissue while it’s being removed.

The authors demonstrate this technique on a 32-year-old woman who had been suffering from lower abdominal pain and infertility due to a myoma. They used a regular sterile medical bag to make the retrieval bag. During surgery, they first inspected the woman’s pelvic area, then located and counted the myomas. They removed the myoma and broke it into pieces inside the bag. This method is called laparoscopic power morcellation.

The surgery was successful and took 93 minutes. The woman didn’t experience any complications from the surgery, and she got pregnant 26 months later. She delivered a healthy baby by cesarean section.

The authors claim that this method has several benefits. It prevents the risk of iatrogenic parasitic myoma, which means accidentally leaving behind pieces of the tumor that can regrow. The bag is also cost-free and reduces surgical costs.

FAQs

  1. What is the new method developed by surgeons to remove myomas?
  2. What are the benefits of using this new method of myomectomy?
  3. What is the significance of using a homemade bag during the surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

If you are considering a myomectomy, it’s important to discuss with your doctor the different techniques available for removing the fibroids. Some methods may be safer and more effective than others, like the laparoscopic power morcellation technique mentioned in this research paper. Be sure to ask your doctor about the risks and benefits of each method to make an informed decision about your treatment.

Suitable For

Myomectomy is typically recommended for patients who have non-cancerous growths in the uterus, such as myomas or fibroids, that are causing symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, infertility, or pressure on the bladder or bowels. It is also recommended for women who wish to preserve their fertility and have the option to become pregnant in the future.

Patients who have a single, small myoma or multiple myomas that are not too large, and are easily accessible for removal, are good candidates for myomectomy. Patients who have severe symptoms from their myomas, such as severe pain or heavy bleeding, may also be recommended for myomectomy.

Overall, patients who are in good general health and are able to tolerate surgery are typically recommended for myomectomy. It is important for patients to discuss their specific symptoms and concerns with their healthcare provider to determine if myomectomy is the best treatment option for them.

Timeline

Timeline:

Before myomectomy:

  • Patient experiences lower abdominal pain and infertility due to a myoma.
  • Patient undergoes a pelvic inspection and myoma count to prepare for surgery.
  • Surgeons prepare a homemade bag to contain the tissue during the myomectomy.

During myomectomy:

  • Laparoscopic power morcellation is used to remove the myoma.
  • The myoma is broken into pieces inside the retrieval bag.
  • Surgery is successful and lasts 93 minutes.

After myomectomy:

  • Patient does not experience any complications from the surgery.
  • Patient successfully gets pregnant 26 months later.
  • Patient delivers a healthy baby via cesarean section.
  • Surgeons claim that the method prevents the risk of iatrogenic parasitic myoma and reduces surgical costs.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with a myomectomy using the traditional method compared to the new method using a homemade bag?

  2. How does the use of a retrieval bag during a myomectomy with laparoscopic power morcellation reduce the risk of iatrogenic parasitic myoma?

  3. How long does the surgery typically take when using the homemade retrieval bag method compared to traditional methods?

  4. What are the success rates of pregnancy following a myomectomy using the homemade retrieval bag method?

  5. Are there any specific criteria or considerations for patients who are suitable candidates for a myomectomy using the homemade retrieval bag method?

  6. How does the cost of a myomectomy using the homemade retrieval bag method compare to traditional methods?

  7. What post-operative care and follow-up is required for patients who undergo a myomectomy using the homemade retrieval bag method?

  8. Are there any long-term implications or considerations for patients who undergo a myomectomy using the homemade retrieval bag method, such as future fertility or recurrence of myomas?

  9. What is the availability and accessibility of this new method in different healthcare settings or regions?

  10. Are there any ongoing research or studies evaluating the effectiveness and safety of the homemade retrieval bag method for myomectomy?

Reference

Authors: Zhang NN, Chen SL, Zuo N, Sun TS, Yang Q. Journal: Fertil Steril. 2020 Mar;113(3):679-680. doi: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2019.11.012. Epub 2020 Feb 25. PMID: 32111474