Laparoscopically Assisted Abdominal Myomectomy (LAAM) was developed in 2005 to be an effective procedure to remove uterine fibroids and is a combination of laparoscopic and a mini-open myomectomy.
Uterine fibroids affect almost 25% of women in their reproductive years, and by the time women reach the age of 50, around 75% have them. Some may not even know they have fibroids because not everyone develops symptoms, while others may suffer such bad symptoms they interfere with their quality of life. Most often, patients are given surgical options for fibroid removal and the treatment of fibroid symptoms. This is due to their fibroids being diagnosed by their OB/GYN, who is trained to perform surgical interventions.
Today, we are going to talk about LAAM myomectomy, what it involves, the benefits over other myomectomy techniques, the risks, and recovery. We will also provide an alternative treatment option that does not involve surgery or the associated risks and has a rapid recovery time.
Why Was The LAAM Procedure Developed?
The LAAM procedure was developed by a group of surgeons as a solution to some of the issues associated with both standard and robotic laparoscopic fibroid removal techniques, such as:
- They require more incisions in the abdominal wall;
- They are not as effective in removing fibroids, especially those that are deeply embedded;
- They are not as effective in removing larger or numerous fibroids;
- Robotic techniques often take up to four times longer to perform, and the risk is higher that it will have to be converted to an open surgery.
An open myomectomy normally results in the most effective fibroid removal; however, it has a higher risk profile and comes with a six-to-eight-week recovery period. The LAAM procedure gives the surgeon greater access to remove the fibroids, similar to an open myomectomy, but also uses laparoscopy, which makes it much less invasive with only a two-week recovery time.
Who Is a Candidate For Laparoscopically Assisted Abdominal Myomectomy?
The specialists who designed LAAM claim that any patient suffering from symptomatic fibroids is a proper candidate for this minimally invasive surgery, regardless of the size or number of fibroids.
How Is The LAAM Procedure Done?
- The surgeon makes a small incision (about ½ inch) near the belly button that is used to insert a laparoscopic camera, and with the help of a special gas that inflates the abdominal cavity, they get a clear view of the pelvis and existing fibroids;
- Next, a second incision is created along the bikini line that is used to place a special tool called a laparoscopic tourniquet, which will help control blood flow;
- Once the tourniquet is in place, the bikini line cut is extended to about 1.5 inches, and the fibroids are removed through this larger opening;
- After each fibroid is taken out, the incision used to remove it is stitched closed;
- The uterus gets smaller with each fibroid that is taken out, making it easier to find and remove remaining fibroids.
What Are The Risks Of LAAM?
With any surgical procedure, there are risks and complications that can develop. Some of the risks of the LAAM procedure include:
- Allergic reaction to the anesthesia;
- Blood clots;
- It can result in heavy blood loss, which is especially risky for women with anemia;
- Infections can develop at the surgery site or incision locations;
- There is a chance of injuring the uterus or nearby organs like the bladder or intestines;
- Rare chance of hysterectomy;
- Scar tissue might develop in the uterus after fibroids are removed, which can cause fertility problems or complications during pregnancy and childbirth;
- It can cause weakening to the uterine walls, making vaginal childbirth riskier and may lead to needing a C-section.
What Is The Recovery Time For LAAM Surgery?
Every person’s recovery will be a bit different and will depend on things like the current state of their health, their lifestyle, genetic makeup, how well they adhere to their surgeon’s aftercare instructions, etc.
The recovery after LAAM surgery can take anywhere from two to four weeks and may require a short hospital stay depending upon the extent of the surgery. Some discomfort is expected during the first week, but your doctor will prescribe medications to help manage it. You will be given a list of activity restrictions, such as avoiding heavy lifting, strenuous activities, and intense exercise for several weeks. It is important that you get plenty of rest, take proper care of your incisions (keeping them clean and dry), and be alert for signs of infection like redness, swelling, or unusual drainage. Most people can return to their regular routine, work, and normal activity level about four weeks after the procedure after being cleared by their surgeon.
Who Performs The LAAM Procedure?
Not every OB/GYN can perform laparoscopically assisted abdominal myomectomy surgery. This procedure requires specialized training in minimally invasive techniques and possesses specific expertise in the LAAM procedure and extensive experience in fibroid removal.
Is There An Option For Women Who Want To Avoid Fibroid Removal Surgery?
Yes, uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) is a procedure that is performed by an interventional radiologist that can help eliminate the debilitating symptoms of fibroids without surgery. UFE is an outpatient procedure that treats fibroid symptoms by blocking the blood flow that is keeping the fibroids alive, causing them to shrink and die.
This is done by inserting a special catheter into an artery located in the groin area and using it to access the tiny blood vessels that have been diverted by the fibroids. Tiny particles are then injected into these vessels that will permanently stop the blood that is flowing to these fibroids, keeping them alive.
Once the procedure is over, a band-aid is placed over the small nick where the catheter was inserted, and patients are observed for a short while before being discharged to go home to recover. Patients will need a caregiver to drive them home and will not be able to drive for at least 24 hours or until after they no longer need prescription pain medication.
Most patients feel good enough to resume their normal routines within a week, but they will have some activity restrictions for several weeks while their body finishes healing.
Where Can I Find Help With Minimally Invasive Fibroid Removal In Atlanta?
If you have been diagnosed with uterine fibroids and surgery has been recommended to you for treatment, you are most likely a good candidate for UFE. The experts at the Atlanta Fibroid Center have been helping women with uterine fibroids and adenomyosis for more than 25 years to combat the pain, discomfort, and sometimes debilitating symptoms associated with these conditions.
To avoid future regrets, you want to make the most informed decision about your health and your future, and we are happy to help. Before undergoing invasive surgery that may result in an unwanted hysterectomy or complications you were not bargaining for, come speak with the Atlanta Fibroid Center.
Dr. John Lipman brings decades of experience in performing successful UFE procedures, helping to improve the quality of life for patients. We invite you to review some of our patient testimonials and then set up your own personal consultation to learn more about how UFE and the Atlanta Fibroid Center can help you!
