What Is Involved In Myomectomy Recovery?

Myomectomy Techniques

Abdominal or open myomectomy

This technique usually involves a larger incision in the lower abdomen so the surgeon can have better access to the uterus, allowing the surgeon to see and remove the fibroids directly. It is most often used to remove larger fibroids or when there are numerous fibroids that need to be removed. This is the most invasive technique and has the longest recovery time, which can be anywhere between 4 and 8 weeks, depending on the extent of the surgery.

Hysteroscopic myomectomy

This technique is considered the least invasive and is performed through the vagina. The surgeon inserts a thin, lighted instrument called a hysteroscope through the vagina and cervix into the uterus, and there are no external incisions created. A hysteroscopic myomectomy can only be used to remove fibroids that are smaller than 4 cm and located inside the uterine cavity. This is the least often used method but has the shortest recovery time of about 1 to 2 weeks.

Laparoscopic myomectomy

This technique involves the surgeon making several small incisions in the abdomen and using a special medical tool called a laparoscope (a thin, lighted tube with a camera) to see and access the uterus. Fibroids are removed through these small incisions, so surgeons usually only use this technique if the fibroids are less than 10 centimeters and there are five or fewer fibroids present. A laparoscopic myomectomy has a shorter recovery time compared to an open myomectomy and can range anywhere from 3 to 4 weeks.

Robotic myomectomy

A robotic myomectomy is often listed as a separate technique; however, this method is similar in many ways to traditional laparoscopic myomectomy. The same type of abdominal incisions are created, but the surgeon controls robotic arms to remove the fibroids. This allows more precision than performing the surgery manually but is often much more expensive and can extend the time of the surgery. Not all gynecologic surgeons are trained in this technique.

Risks Or Complications Of Myomectomy

There are certain risks and side effects associated with a myomectomy, including:

• Excessive blood loss;
• Scar tissue (can lead to fertility issues);
• Pregnancy or childbirth complications. Your uterus can be weakened, increasing your risks during childbirth if you become pregnant;
• There is a high risk of fibroids regrowing or returning within 5 years;
• Chance of an unplanned hysterectomy. If bleeding during the myomectomy becomes uncontrollable or other abnormalities are discovered, the surgeon may have to perform a hysterectomy and remove the entire uterus;
• Risk of spreading a cancerous tumor. Very rarely, a malignant tumor can be mistaken for a fibroid, and if it is broken up to be removed, there is a chance some could break free and spread. This risk increases after menopause.

Myomectomy Recovery By Technique

Each woman’s recovery will be different depending on their specific circumstances and the technique used to remove the fibroids. During the recovery period, patients are usually not allowed to lift anything heavy, engage in strenuous exercise, submerge themselves in water, etc. The surgeon will provide a list of aftercare directions to each patient that is tailored specifically for them.

Abdominal (Open) Myomectomy Recovery Week By Week

Week 1

You will have to stay in the hospital for at least a few days, and your surgeon will prescribe pain medications to help ease your discomfort. You will be given instructions on how to keep your incisions clean and dry, and you will be encouraged to walk short distances several times a day to prevent blood clots. The most important thing is to rest as much as you can this first week.

Week 2

Your pain should be easing up, and you may be able to switch from prescription painkillers to over-the-counter medications. You should continue avoiding strenuous exercise and driving, but continue taking short walks. You will probably have a follow-up visit this week to check on your healing process.

Week 3

By the third week, you can begin increasing your activity level while being cautious not to push yourself too much. You should not be experiencing much pain or discomfort by this point, but listen to your body’s cues and make sure you are getting enough rest.

Weeks 4-6

During this time, you can begin to increase your activity level, and your surgeon will gradually clear you to resume your normal routine and advise you when you can return to work. Usually, by the six-week mark, your body will have fully recovered and you will be able to return to your full schedule.

Laparoscopic and/or Robotic Myomectomy Recovery Week By Week

Week 1

Depending on the extent of your surgery, you may have to spend a night or two in the hospital and will be given prescription medication to help ease your discomfort. The medical professionals will be helping and encouraging you to take short walks as soon as you are able to mitigate the risk of blood clots. Once you arrive home, you need to get as much rest as possible. You will be provided with detailed aftercare instructions, which will include activity restrictions, and the surgeon will usually give you a prescription for pain medication.

Week 2

By the second week, you should be able to increase your activity level a bit, such as doing light housework and extending your short walks. Your pain level should be decreasing, and you should continue to follow your aftercare instructions, especially regarding taking care of your incisions. You will most likely have a follow-up visit this week with your surgeon so they can check how well you are healing.

Week 3

By now, your surgeon has probably advised you to start easing back into your normal routine and even return to work that does not involve strenuous activity or lifting. Your pain should be minimal at the very least, and you should find that your energy levels have started to increase.

Weeks 4-6

By the end of the fourth week, most patients are able to resume most of their normal activities, and by the six-week point, the surgeon should clear you to resume your normal schedule, including sexual relations.

Hysteroscopic Myomectomy Recovery Week By Week

Week 1

Hysteroscopic myomectomy recovery is less painful and much quicker than the other techniques used. It is usually performed as an outpatient procedure, and you can go home after a few hours of observation. The surgeon will send home a list of activity restrictions and a prescription for pain medication that you may need for a day or two. Depending on the extent of your surgery, the surgeon may clear you for work and to drive the same week as your procedure.

Week 2

Most patients are back to their normal routine by the second week after a hysteroscopic myomectomy and are free to exercise as they feel comfortable. Patients must still wait about six weeks before they engage in sexual intercourse or until they are cleared by the surgeon.

Recovery after a myomectomy can take anywhere from two to eight weeks, depending on the technique used to perform the procedure. There are also various risks and complications that can cause permanent damage to your uterus and affect your fertility or ability to deliver a baby without undergoing a C-section.

Safe And Effective Alternative To Myomectomy For Fibroids

If you have been diagnosed with fibroids and have been told you need myomectomy surgery, get in touch with the Atlanta Fibroid Center for a second opinion. We treat fibroids with a procedure called uterine fibroid embolization (UFE), and there is no surgery involved. Your uterus is left completely intact and uncompromised, and many women have become pregnant after UFE and vaginally delivered healthy babies with no need for a C-section. There is no risk of excessive bleeding, residual uterine scar tissue, or the fibroids regrowing. UFE can reach all the fibroids, regardless of their location, size, or number.

We see patients every day who have been told by their OB/GYN that they require surgery to treat their fibroids, but they were never informed about UFE. OB/GYNs do not perform UFE, so they either do not think of this option or have been misinformed about the procedure. There are many who do not have a full understanding of the procedure and therefore provide misinformation about the safety and efficacy of UFE.

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Contact The Atlanta Fibroid Center And Avoid Myomectomy

When UFE is performed by a qualified interventional radiologist like Dr. John Lipman, the procedure will eliminate all the fibroids and relieve fibroid symptoms. UFE blocks the vital blood supply to the fibroids, so they shrink and die permanently, and will not return. Check out some of the testimonials from the patients who are now fibroid-free and then set up your consultation. We would love to help you too!