Myomectomy

For women requiring a myomectomy, a surgical procedure to remove uterine fibroids, Hoag provides options – including a more precise, minimally invasive procedure with robotic assistance.

Myomectomy is a surgical procedure to remove uterine fibroids — which are generally noncancerous growths of the uterus that often appear during childbearing years. 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 surgery removes only the fibroids and leaves your uterus intact.

Reasons for Myomectomy

Heavy bleeding is the primary symptom of fibroids. Associated symptoms of fibroids include pelvic pain, pressure, frequent urination infertility, and miscarriage. A physician might recommend myomectomy for symptomatic fibroids, which are debilitating or interfere with your normal activities. Other reasons for myomectomy include:

• A woman plans to become pregnant
• The physician suspects uterine fibroids might be hindering fertility or be contributing to recurrent miscarriage
• A woman prefers to retain her uterus

Although fibroids are common, only three percent of infertility is caused by fibroids. Fibroids contribute to 30 percent of recurrent miscarriages. Some women with fibroids have no issue becoming pregnant, and continue on to have an uncomplicated pregnancy, while others may face complications including premature labor. If a woman has fibroids and has been unable to get pregnant or has had repeated miscarriages, her physician might suggest treatment for fibroids — after carefully evaluating for other potential problems.

Treatment Options

Myomectomy is traditionally performed through a large abdominal incision. After removing fibroids, the surgeon repairs the uterus to minimize potential bleeding, infection and scarring.

At Hoag, the preferred surgical choice (for women who are candidates) is robotic-assisted myomectomy. This procedure uses the state-of-the-art da Vinci® Surgical System to help Hoag’s Gynecologic Robotic Surgery Team perform a more precise, minimally invasive procedure designed to preserve the uterus. For most women, robotic-assisted myomectomy offers numerous potential benefits over traditional surgical approaches, including

• Less post-operative pain and scarring
• Decreased blood loss and lower risk of blood transfusion
• Lower risk of infection
• Shorter hospital stay
• Faster return to normal activities

As the largest volume gynecologic robotic program in Orange County, and the first multidisciplinary program of its kind in Southern California, Hoag’s Gynecologic Robotic Surgery Program utilizes the most advanced technology for minimally invasive surgery.

Expert Care

At Hoag, our multidisciplinary team of board-certified gynecologic health experts includes gynecologists, urogynecologists, reproductive endocrinologists and other subspecialists who work together to provide a coordinated approach in the treatment of uterine fibroids, including the latest progressive treatment options personalized to meet the needs of the individual patient.

If surgery is necessary, Hoag’s expert team is well versed in the full gamut of minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques, including robotic-assisted surgery utilizing the state-of-the-art da Vinci® Surgical System.

For more information about the diagnosis and treatment of uterine fibroids, please speak with your physician, or locate a Hoag-affiliated physician near you.

Hoag Advantage

For women who are candidates, Hoag’s Gynecologic Robotic Surgery team is skilled in performing advanced robotic-assisted surgery utilized the state-of-the-art da Vinci® Surgical System.

Through smaller incisions the da Vinci® Surgical System provides physicians with enhanced capabilities, including high-definition 3D vision and Endowrist® technology, allowing for better dissection and restoration of the surgical anatomy. Due to these advanced features of the da Vinci® robot, patients experience many benefits over traditional approaches, including:

• Less post-operative pain and scarring
• Decreased blood loss and lower risk of blood transfusion
• Lower risk of infection
• Shorter hospital stay
• Faster return to normal activities​​​