Uterine fibroids, also known as myomas or leiomyomas, are benign tumors that grow within or on the outer layers of the uterus. They are made up of muscle cells and fibrous connective tissue. While fibroids are usually asymptomatic, common symptoms can include heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding, abdominal pain and pressure, frequent urination, difficulty emptying the bladder, painful intercourse, lower back pain, or a feeling of fullness in the lower abdomen.

Fibroids are the most common benign tumors found in women. It is estimated that 20-40% of women have uterine fibroids by age 35 and up to 80% of women have fibroids by age 50. African American women and women over 40 years of age are more likely to develop symptomatic fibroids that require treatment.

Myomectomy as a Fibroid Treatment Option

It is a surgery to remove uterine fibroids while keeping the uterus intact. It is one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures for women with symptomatic fibroids who want to maintain their fertility. Myomectomy can also relieve fibroid symptoms and prevent further complications.

Several factors play a role in deciding if fibroidectomy is the right treatment option, including a woman's desire for future fertility, fibroid size and location, overall health, and response to previous medical management. Different surgical techniques enable myomectomies to be performed through traditional open abdominal incisions or with minimally invasive approaches such as laparoscopy or hysteroscopy.