Myomectomy is a surgical procedure used to remove abnormal, noncancerous growths (uterine fibroids) from the uterus. Myomectomy may be done through small incisions with the use of a lighted viewing instrument (laparoscopy or hysteroscopy) or with an open abdominal incision (laparotomy), depending on the size and location of uterine fibroids and whether urinary or bowel problems are present.

Myomectomy removes uterine fibroids but preserves the uterus and fertility. It may be used to treat uterine fibroids when:

• Anemia is not relieved by treatment with medicine.
• Pain or pressure is not relieved by treatment with medicine.
• Fibroids may be causing infertility or frequent miscarriages (rare).

Myomectomy decreases the menstrual bleeding and pelvic pain caused by uterine fibroids. Healthy pregnancies are common after myomectomy. However, uterine fibroids may return after surgery.

Risks of myomectomy include infection, scar tissue formation, injury to the uterus that causes infertility, and injury to the bowel or bladder.

By	Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer	Sarah Anne Marshall, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology
Last Revised	August 11, 2009