Our Summary

This research paper is about a study where the researchers performed a certain type of surgery, called vaginal myomectomy, on 50 patients and then checked them six months later to see if any of them developed adhesions (which are bands of scar tissue that can cause organs to stick together). The myomectomy surgery was successfully completed in the majority of cases, and only three cases needed a different surgical approach.

The doctors were able to check 24 patients six months after the surgery and found that about half of them had some scar tissue, but none of it was affecting the patients’ Fallopian tubes or ovaries. The results suggest that this type of surgery can be safely performed and the risk of developing problematic scar tissue seems to be low. However, the authors suggest that more research is needed to confirm these findings.

FAQs

  1. What is the purpose of the vaginal myomectomy surgery that was performed in the study?
  2. According to the research, what is the risk of developing problematic scar tissue after a vaginal myomectomy?
  3. How many patients developed adhesions or scar tissue after the vaginal myomectomy surgery in this study?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about myomectomy is to follow all post-operative instructions carefully, including avoiding heavy lifting and strenuous activities for a certain period of time to ensure proper healing. It is also important to attend all follow-up appointments to monitor the healing process and address any concerns or complications that may arise. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and a balanced diet can help promote overall well-being and potentially reduce the risk of developing fibroids in the future.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended myomectomy are those who have symptomatic fibroids that are causing pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, pressure on the bladder or bowel, infertility, or recurrent pregnancy loss. Myomectomy is often recommended for women who desire to preserve their fertility or who are not candidates for other treatments such as uterine artery embolization or hormone therapy. It is also recommended for women who have fibroids that are causing significant symptoms and impacting their quality of life. Myomectomy may not be recommended for patients who have very large or numerous fibroids, or for those who are not suitable candidates for surgery due to other health conditions. It is important for patients to discuss their individual situation with their healthcare provider to determine if myomectomy is the most appropriate treatment option for them.

Timeline

Before myomectomy:

  • Patient experiences symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, and pressure
  • Patient consults with a gynecologist who recommends myomectomy as a treatment option
  • Patient undergoes pre-operative evaluations and tests to assess their overall health and to determine the size and location of the fibroids
  • Patient discusses the risks and benefits of surgery with their healthcare provider and prepares for the procedure

After myomectomy:

  • Patient undergoes the myomectomy surgery, which involves removing the fibroids while preserving the uterus
  • Patient stays in the hospital for a few days for monitoring and recovery
  • Patient experiences post-operative pain, swelling, and fatigue
  • Patient follows a recovery plan provided by their healthcare provider, which may include pain medication, rest, and avoiding strenuous activities
  • Patient attends follow-up appointments to monitor their recovery and address any concerns
  • Six months after the surgery, patient undergoes a follow-up evaluation to assess the success of the surgery and check for any complications such as adhesions

Overall, the timeline for a patient before and after myomectomy involves a series of steps from initial consultation to post-operative recovery, with the goal of improving symptoms and preserving fertility.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the success rate of a vaginal myomectomy in removing fibroids?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with a myomectomy surgery?
  3. How long is the recovery period after a myomectomy surgery?
  4. Will I still be able to conceive and have a successful pregnancy after a myomectomy?
  5. How will my symptoms, such as heavy periods or pelvic pain, be affected by a myomectomy?
  6. Are there any alternative treatments to consider besides myomectomy?
  7. How often do patients develop adhesions or scar tissue after a myomectomy?
  8. What are the signs and symptoms of problematic scar tissue that I should watch out for after the surgery?
  9. Will I need any additional follow-up treatments or monitoring after the myomectomy surgery?
  10. Are there any lifestyle changes or precautions I should take to prevent complications or recurrence of fibroids after the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Farah-Gari Z, Khodja R, Lemkeddem Y, Zanoun N, Hadjar K, Agostini A. Journal: Gynecol Obstet Fertil Senol. 2020 Jun;48(6):480-483. doi: 10.1016/j.gofs.2020.04.001. Epub 2020 Apr 9. PMID: 32278707