Myomectomy in Riverside & the Inland Empire
Surgical removal of uterine fibroids while preserving the uterus. Learn about myomectomy options, recovery, fertility considerations, and what to expect from treatment.
Preserve the uterus
Myomectomy removes fibroids while leaving the uterus in place, making it an important treatment option for some women who want to preserve reproductive potential.
What is a myomectomy?
A myomectomy is a surgical procedure used to remove uterine fibroids, also called leiomyomas or myomas. Unlike a hysterectomy, which removes the uterus, a myomectomy removes the fibroids and leaves the uterus in place.
Uterine fibroids are common, noncancerous growths that develop from the muscle tissue of the uterus. Some fibroids cause no symptoms, while others can contribute to heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pressure, pelvic pain, frequent urination, or fertility concerns.
The best treatment depends on the size, number and location of fibroids, the symptoms they are causing, your overall health, and your personal goals—including whether preserving the uterus or future pregnancy is important to you.
When might myomectomy be recommended?
Not every uterine fibroid requires treatment. Treatment may be considered when fibroids cause significant symptoms or affect quality of life, fertility, or reproductive goals.
Heavy menstrual bleeding
Fibroids can contribute to heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding, which may interfere with daily activities or contribute to anemia.
Pelvic pressure or pain
Larger fibroids may cause pressure, pelvic discomfort, abdominal fullness or painful periods.
Fertility concerns
Depending on their location, some fibroids may interfere with conception or pregnancy and may require individualized evaluation.
Pressure on nearby organs
Fibroids can sometimes create pressure on the bladder or bowel, resulting in urinary frequency or other pelvic symptoms.
Types of myomectomy
There is no single approach that is right for every patient. The surgical technique is selected according to the fibroids' location, size and number, as well as your medical history and treatment goals.
Abdominal myomectomy
Also called an open myomectomy or laparotomy, this approach uses an incision in the abdomen to access the uterus and remove fibroids.
Laparoscopic or robotic myomectomy
Small abdominal incisions are used to introduce a camera and specialized surgical instruments. Robotic surgery uses a robotic system controlled by the surgeon.
Hysteroscopic myomectomy
A thin instrument is passed through the vagina and cervix into the uterus. This approach may be appropriate for certain submucosal fibroids that project into the uterine cavity.
Your fibroid's location can influence treatment.
Fibroids can develop in different areas of the uterus. Their location, size and relationship to the uterine cavity can help determine whether myomectomy or another treatment is appropriate.
Explore uterine fibroidsIntramural fibroids
Develop within the muscular wall of the uterus.
Submucosal fibroids
Project toward or into the uterine cavity and may contribute to heavy menstrual bleeding.
Subserosal fibroids
Develop on the outer surface of the uterus and may cause pressure symptoms.
Keeping your reproductive goals at the center of care.
One reason some patients consider myomectomy is that the uterus remains in place. For patients who want future pregnancy, preserving the uterus can be an important consideration when choosing among fibroid treatment options.
However, pregnancy after myomectomy requires individualized planning. The impact of surgery depends on factors such as the number and location of fibroids, how deeply the uterine muscle was involved, and the surgical technique used.
Your gynecologist can discuss pregnancy planning, recommended healing time, and whether additional obstetric monitoring may be appropriate after surgery.
How is a myomectomy evaluated?
Before recommending surgery, your gynecologic team evaluates your symptoms, medical history and the characteristics of your fibroids.
Medical history
Your symptoms, menstrual history, medications, previous procedures and reproductive goals are reviewed.
Pelvic evaluation
A gynecologic examination may help evaluate uterine size, tenderness and other pelvic findings.
Imaging
Ultrasound is commonly used to evaluate fibroids. Additional imaging may sometimes be considered depending on the situation.
Treatment planning
The findings are considered alongside your symptoms and personal goals to determine whether surgery is appropriate.
What can recovery look like?
Recovery after myomectomy varies depending on the surgical approach and the individual patient.
Minimally invasive procedures generally involve smaller incisions and may allow a faster return to normal activities than an open abdominal procedure. Your surgeon will provide specific instructions regarding activity, work, exercise, wound care, medications and follow-up.
Your care team monitors pain, bleeding, vital signs and recovery from anesthesia.
Activity is gradually increased according to your surgeon's instructions.
Follow-up appointments help evaluate healing and discuss ongoing symptoms and future reproductive plans.
Understanding the potential risks
Myomectomy is a surgical procedure, so your surgeon will review potential benefits, alternatives and risks before treatment.
Fibroid surgery can involve bleeding, and some patients may need additional treatment to manage blood loss.
As with other surgeries, infection is a possible complication.
Surgery can result in internal scar tissue, which may have implications for future fertility.
Myomectomy removes existing fibroids, but new fibroids may develop later.
Myomectomy vs. hysterectomy
Treatment decisions are individualized. A hysterectomy may be appropriate for some patients, while myomectomy may be preferred when preserving the uterus is an important goal.
Frequently asked questions
Learn more about myomectomy, fibroid surgery, recovery and fertility.
What is the purpose of a myomectomy? +
The purpose of a myomectomy is to surgically remove uterine fibroids while leaving the uterus in place. It may be considered when fibroids cause symptoms or affect quality of life, fertility or reproductive goals.
Does a myomectomy remove the uterus? +
No. A myomectomy removes fibroids while preserving the uterus. This differs from a hysterectomy, which removes the uterus.
Can I become pregnant after a myomectomy? +
Pregnancy may remain possible after myomectomy. However, the effect on fertility and pregnancy depends on factors including fibroid location, size, number and the surgical approach. Your physician can provide individualized guidance about pregnancy planning after surgery.
What are the different types of myomectomy? +
Myomectomy can be performed through an abdominal incision, laparoscopically or robotically through small abdominal incisions, or hysteroscopically through the vagina and cervix. The appropriate approach depends on the characteristics of the fibroids and the patient's individual circumstances.
Is laparoscopic myomectomy minimally invasive? +
Yes. Laparoscopic myomectomy uses small abdominal incisions rather than the larger incision used for an open abdominal myomectomy. When appropriate for the patient, minimally invasive surgery may offer less bleeding, smaller scars and a faster recovery.
What is a hysteroscopic myomectomy? +
Hysteroscopic myomectomy uses instruments passed through the vagina and cervix to reach the uterine cavity. It is generally used for selected fibroids that project into the uterine cavity, particularly submucosal fibroids.
Can fibroids grow back after myomectomy? +
New fibroids can develop after a myomectomy. The procedure removes the fibroids that are treated during surgery, but it does not prevent new fibroids from developing in the future.
How long does it take to recover from myomectomy? +
Recovery varies substantially depending on whether the procedure is hysteroscopic, laparoscopic, robotic or abdominal. Minimally invasive procedures generally have shorter recovery periods than open abdominal surgery. Your surgeon will provide specific activity and recovery instructions.
Is myomectomy better than hysterectomy? +
Neither procedure is universally better. The appropriate treatment depends on your symptoms, fibroid characteristics, age, medical history, reproductive plans and personal preferences. Myomectomy preserves the uterus, while hysterectomy removes it and permanently eliminates the ability to carry a pregnancy.
How do I know if my fibroids need surgery? +
Fibroids that cause significant bleeding, pain, pressure, anemia, fertility concerns or other symptoms may require treatment. Some fibroids do not require treatment at all. A gynecologic evaluation can help determine whether observation, medication, myomectomy or another treatment is appropriate.
Ready to discuss your fibroid treatment options?
Schedule a consultation to discuss your symptoms, treatment options and personal goals with a gynecologic care team.
Medical information: This page is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Every patient's situation is different. Speak with a qualified healthcare professional about your symptoms and treatment options.