Persistent pelvic pain with heavy bleeding and bloating can be physically exhausting and painful. Heavy periods, particularly, can interfere with your work and routine life. If you want to get rid of these symptoms without compromising your fertility, a laparoscopic myomectomy could be your best choice. It’s a minimally invasive surgical procedure that targets the fibroids, leaving your uterus intact. Consult the best laparoscopic gynae surgeon in Navi Mumbai and discuss the benefits, risks, and recovery of myomectomy.
Fibroid Symptoms and Causes
A fibroid is a benign growth in your uterus. It’s almost always non-cancerous, so the treatment is not always necessary. Some fibroids do not cause any symptoms at all, although others might lead to heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, and irregular periods. Besides there, fibroids can affect your fertility depending on their count, size, and location. Here are some common symptoms of fibroids:
- A heavy and prolonged period
- Pain during intercourse
- Difficulty getting pregnant
- Miscarriage
- Pelvic and lower back pain
- Cramps
- Anemia
- Constipation
Causes
Women’s reproductive hormones, i.e., estrogen and progesterone, can cause fibroids. Other factors include excessive alcohol consumption, starting birth control pills before the age of 16, and getting your first period at a fairly young age. It can also be genetic. If you have a family member with a history of fibroids, you are more likely to get them, too.
A Brief Overview of Laparoscopic Myomectomy
Your surgeon will make multiple small cuts in your lower abdomen to pass a laparoscope and several small surgical instruments into the uterus. Your belly is filled with gas, and a laparoscope — a thin, lighted tube. It is passed through one of the holes to get a clear view. The surgeon will cut the fibroids into small pieces to remove them easily.
They might switch to abdominal surgery if the fibroids are too large. The instruments are then removed, and your incision is closed with staples or sutures. You will stay in the hospital overnight for close observation.
Benefits of Laparoscopic Myomectomy
- Minimal Scarring: Many women choose laparoscopic myomectomy because of cosmetic reasons. It involves smaller incisions and less scarring.
- Less Pain and Lower Risk of Infection: Laparoscopic myomectomy causes minimal, comparatively lesser, pain than its abdominal counterpart. It also minimizes the risk of post-operative infections and surgical complications later.
- Quick Recovery: Because of the small incision, less blood loss, and lower risk of complications, you can expect to return to normal activities within 2-4 weeks of the surgery.
- Improved Quality of Life: You will get instant relief from your symptoms, like heavy bleeding and pelvic pain, significantly improving your quality of life.
If you have any questions or are concerned about any part of the procedure, post-operative recovery, or risks, feel free to contact Dr. Uday Thanawala, a professional laparoscopic gynae specialist in Vashi, and learn everything about myomectomy.
While myomectomy is the best option for women who want to preserve their fertility, it doesn’t always guarantee permanent relief. There’s a 15-30% chance fibroids might recur. So, discuss your risks with the doctor before proceeding.