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Definition

By Mayo Clinic staff

Myomectomy (my-o-MEK-tuh-mee) is a surgical procedure to remove uterine fibroids — also called leiomyomas (lie-o-my-O-muhs). These are common noncancerous growths that appear in the uterus, usually during childbearing years, but they can occur at any age.

The surgeon's goal during myomectomy is to take out symptom-causing fibroids and reconstruct the uterus. Unlike hysterectomy, which removes your entire uterus, myomectomy removes only the fibroids and leaves your uterus intact.

Women who undergo myomectomy report improvement in fibroid symptoms, including heavy menstrual bleeding and pelvic pressure.

Why it's done
References
  1. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) Committee on Practice Bulletins — Gynecology. ACOG Practice Bulletin No. 96. Alternatives to hysterectomy in the management of leiomyomas. Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2008;112:387.
  2. Laughlin SK, et al. Uterine leiomyomas: Individualizing the approach to a heterogenous condition. Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2011;117:396.
  3. Frequently asked questions. Gynecologic problems FAQ074. Uterine fibroids. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. http://www.acog.org/~/media/For%20Patients/faq074.pdf?dmc=1&ts=20130423T1546469165. Accessed April 23, 2013.
  4. Parker WH. Abdominal myomectomy. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed April 23, 2013.
  5. Parker WH. Laparoscopic myomectomy and other laparoscopic treatments for uterine leiomyomas (fibroids). http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed April 23, 2013.
  6. Bradley LD. Hysteroscopic myomectomy. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed April 23, 2013.
  7. Brady PC, et al. Uterine fibroids and subfertility: An update on the role of myomectomy. Current Opinion on Obstetrics and Gynecology. In press. Accessed April 23, 2013.
  8. Parker WH. Techniques to reduce blood loss during abdominal or laparoscopic myomectomy. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed April 23, 2013.
  9. Gallenberg MM (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. April 30, 2013.
  10. Stewart EA (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. April 29, 2013.
  11. Jensen JR (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. May 15, 2013.
MY00501 June 4, 2013

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