What is Myoma?

They are the most common benign, non-cancerous tumors found in the female uterus, originating from the smooth muscle of the uterus. Fibroids account for approximately 20-25% of women of reproductive age. While very rare, some fibroids can change a woman's life, while others are unaware they are present. Uterine fibroids can appear at any age but typically develop during childbearing years. They are the most common benign tumors in the female reproductive system. The surgical procedure is  myomectomy , commonly  known as uterine fibroid surgery  . Fibroids can range from small, pea-sized tumors to massive masses weighing 3-5 kilograms. They can fluctuate depending on hormones. Fibroids that do appear are unlikely to cause serious problems. However, they can still be detected through an examination by a gynecologist. 

Myoma Symptoms

If they do present symptoms, the most common complaints observed and monitored are problems with uterine contractions, leading to irregular menstrual periods. Long menstrual periods, resulting in anemia, and severe menstrual pain are symptoms caused by fibroids. In the treatment and diagnosis of fibroids, the presence and location of the fibroids can only be accurately determined after an ultrasound in the hospital. Fibroids can even cause kidney problems. If fibroids grow and are not treated or postponed during treatment, very large fibroids can cause abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and gas. In addition to these symptoms, the symptoms of fibroids that do not present themselves are as follows:

• Longer menstrual periods and heavy bleeding
• Severe pain and painful menstruation
• Having irregular vaginal bleeding
• Constipation and abdominal swelling
• Frequent urge to urinate
• Occasional abdominal cramps
• Difficulty in conceiving and risk of miscarriage

How is Myoma Diagnosed?

Diagnosing fibroids is not difficult. Fibroids are usually identified during routine pelvic exams. A definitive diagnosis of fibroids requires a doctor to take a history and perform an examination. If the uterus is larger than normal, has irregular borders, and is firm, this raises suspicion. Large fibroids can also be felt through the abdominal wall. A vaginal ultrasound is 90% effective for married women, and an abdominal ultrasound is 90% effective for virgin women. If the fibroid mass is large or the uterine tissue cannot be clearly identified, an MRI may be performed to prevent further complications. The surgical procedure is called myomectomy.

Myoma Treatment Methods

Many fibroids are discovered incidentally. Some fibroids do not cause any symptoms or complaints. If the fibroids do not affect the patient's quality of life and do not cause any problems with their size or location, surgery is not required. The surgical method is called myomectomy. If fibroids cause various complications, a number of treatments are available. The decision to perform surgery is based on the patient's age, symptoms, the number and location of the fibroids, and whether the patient has children. Treatment options are determined accordingly. Fibroid surgery can be performed in two ways. Whether the surgery is performed openly or laparoscopically is not considered particularly important. The key is to protect the ovary and prevent the cyst contents from leaking into the abdomen. If they do, ensure they are flushed with plenty of fluids.

How is Myomectomy Surgery Performed?

• Laparoscopic Myomectomy : The procedure takes approximately 1-2 hours, although the procedure varies from patient to patient. It is performed while the patient is under general anesthesia. An incision is first made at or around the navel. The incision is inflated with carbon dioxide and inserted into the cavity. A surgical instrument called a laparoscope visualizes the organs connected to the uterus. Fibroids larger than 4-5 cm are removed from the uterine bed, any bleeding is managed, and the incision is stitched. After the surgery, the patient is kept in the hospital for observation overnight. Recovery time is shorter than with open surgery (1-2 weeks).
• Open Myomectomy: Open surgical removal of fibroids is performed by making an incision, as laparoscopic or robotic surgery is not an option for large, advanced fibroids. The incision is 7-10 cm long. This type of incision generally causes less pain and leaves a small scar. Pain after surgery is quite normal. Taking painkillers prescribed by your doctor will alleviate the pain. You may experience spotting after the surgery, but there's no need to worry. Recovery time can range from 4-6 weeks.

What Should You Pay Attention to After Myomectomy Surgery?

After surgery, the patient should pay attention to personal hygiene and cleanliness during this period. Depending on the procedure, the doctor may not recommend sexual intercourse for up to a month. It is quite normal for the patient to experience pain after surgery. Taking the painkillers prescribed by your doctor regularly can alleviate this pain and help you get through this process. The patient should avoid strenuous activities and strenuous activities. To ensure a rapid recovery after surgery, the patient should take regular walks. Pregnancy should be avoided for six months. If this occurs, vaginal delivery is not possible. Recovery after laparoscopic surgery is faster than after open surgery.

What Are the Results After Myomectomy Surgery?

After myomectomy,  most people experience relief from bothersome signs and symptoms such as menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, and body pressure, and a sense of relief. Women typically achieve good pregnancy outcomes within approximately one year after surgery. After surgery, women often wait 3-6 months to allow their uterus time to heal before attempting pregnancy.

What Happens If Myomectomy Surgery Is Not Performed?

Fibroids have a very low risk of becoming cancerous. If they don't cause any problems in a person's daily life, surgery isn't necessary. In short, not every fibroid requires surgery. The presence of fibroids isn't a reason for surgery because the likelihood of them turning into cancer is quite low. When they reach the upper limits in number and size, surgery may be necessary.

What Happens If Myoma Is Not Removed?

If left untreated, fibroids can create pressure on a person's body. If they grow larger, they can create significant volume, making them vital for the individual. They can interfere with daily life.

What Should the Diet Be Like for People With Myomas?

A person shouldn't consume too much red meat. This is because it increases the risk of uterine fibroids. Sugary foods and processed carbohydrates can trigger fibroids. Consuming fruits and vegetables can help reduce your risk of fibroids.

Does Myomectomy Cause Infertility and Miscarriage?

This depends entirely on the location of the fibroids. If fibroids are located within the uterus and are located on the uterine wall, they have been found to be the cause of pregnancy in 2% of infertile women. Because fibroids press on the fallopian tubes, they prevent sperm from reaching the egg, and because fertilization cannot occur, pregnancy cannot occur.

Is There a Possibility of Fibroids Growing During Pregnancy?

Some fibroids have been observed to grow, while others remain the same or even shrink. Consequently, pregnancy has an unpredictable and variable effect on fibroids.

What is Myomectomy Surgery?

Fibroids are benign, muscle-based masses that occur in the uterus in various shapes and sizes. The surgical removal of these fibroids is called myomectomy in medical terms.

Recovery After Myomectomy

In laparoscopic (closed/bloodless) surgery, the patient is discharged within 1-2 days. Patients who undergo open myomectomy are discharged within 2-4 days, while after open surgery, this period can extend to 3-4 days. Mild pain, weakness, and spotting may occur in the first few days. It is important to rest and maintain an adequate and balanced diet during this period. Stitches are usually removed within 7-14 days. Regular checkups are required. Patients should feel better within 7-14 days.

Myoma Surgery Methods

Myomectomy can be performed through an incision in the lower abdomen. Depending on the location and size of the fibroid, it can also be performed laparoscopically, closed-loop, or hysteroscopically. The final decision regarding surgical method depends on the location of the fibroid.

Things to Do Before Myomectomy

For laparoscopic (closed) myomectomy and conventional surgery, fasting is recommended after midnight the night before. Regular medications and illnesses should be discussed with a doctor. A general body cleansing is performed.

What is Myomectomy?

Myomectomy is the surgical removal of fibroids that cause problems such as bleeding, pain and infertility in the patient.

Risks of Myomectomy Surgery

As with any surgical procedure, myomectomy carries some risks, but these are very low. The main risks include bleeding, infection, damage to the uterine lining, the risk of adhesions, and complications related to anesthesia. When is open myomectomy recommended?

• In the presence of previous intra-abdominal surgery and the risk of adhesions due to this
• Myoma rarely carries a risk of cancer.
• When there are more than 3-4 myomas in number
• When the fibroid is larger than 12-24 cm
• Open surgery is more advantageous in the presence of additional diseases in the patient.

How Many Hours Does Myomectomy Surgery Take?

The average surgical time for closed laparoscopic and open myomectomy is 1-2 hours. This time may increase depending on the patient's condition. Hysteroscopic myomectomy takes approximately 30-60 minutes.

Hysteroscopic Myomectomy (Hysteroscopic Myomectomy)

Hysteroscopic myomectomy is a procedure used to treat fibroids that prolapse into the uterine cavity. It is performed under general anesthesia. A small camera is used to visualize the inside of the uterus through the vagina and cervix, and the fibroids are cut and removed through the vagina using various equipment.

Doctor Who Performs Myomectomy

There are many hospitals and gynecologists and obstetricians in Ankara who successfully perform myomectomy surgery . At Magnet Hospital, the specialist gynecologists and obstetricians successfully perform myomectomy/fibroid removal surgery .

Does Social Security Pay for Myoma Surgery?

Social Security may pay for all or part of myomectomy surgery.

Difference Between Open and Closed Myomectomy

Laparoscopic myomectomy is generally preferred if there are fewer than three fibroids and they are smaller than 13-14 cm. A 2-cm incision is made in the abdomen and the procedure is performed using a lighted device. If there are more than three or four fibroids or larger fibroids, open surgery is recommended.

What to Consider After Surgery

There will be stitches after open myomectomy. These stitches are usually removed within 7 to 10 days. After surgery, you should pay attention to hygiene and nutrition, avoid infection, and take light walks. Follow your doctor's recommended medication and checkup schedules.

Myoma Surgery Price in Private Hospitals

Myomectomy surgery costs vary depending on the type of surgery, the patient's condition, and the materials used. Please contact us for more information.

How Many Centimeters of Myoma Are Dangerous?

Fibroids larger than 8-10 cm are considered particularly dangerous. The size of the fibroid should be carefully assessed. Large fibroids negatively impact the patient's quality of life, and treatment should not be delayed.

Is Myomectomy Dangerous?

Myomectomy carries risks, as with any surgical procedure. These include bleeding, infection at the surgical site, and complications from anesthesia. This surgery should be performed by experienced hands.

What are the possible complaints after myomectomy?

During the first week, you may experience mild abdominal pain. Some patients may experience nausea and light spotting due to anesthesia. Because abdominal surgery is performed, bowel movements and burping may be delayed.

Will There Be Bleeding After Myomectomy Surgery?

You may experience spotting for the first few months after surgery. As the uterus heals and recovers, bleeding should return to normal and your periods should become regular.

What Should Nutrition Be Like After Myomectomy?

Adequate and balanced nutrition aids the healing process. Protein and vitamin-rich foods should be consumed, plenty of water should be consumed, and salt intake should be controlled.

Will Menstrual Irregularities Occur After Myomectomy?

You may experience light, irregular bleeding during the first few months. As the uterine lining heals, bleeding should return to normal and your periods should become regular.

Can Myomectomy Be Performed on Virgins?

In virgins, the complications caused by fibroids impair a woman's reproductive health and can lead to more serious problems in the future. Therefore, surgery must be performed promptly and by expert hands. Both open and laparoscopic abdominal surgeries leave the hymen intact.

February, 2025