Myomectomy Procedure (Fullerton Ave, Chicago)

1. What is Myomectomy?

Myomectomy is a surgical procedure aimed at removing uterine fibroids, which are non-cancerous growths that develop in or on the uterus. Unlike a hysterectomy, which involves the removal of the entire uterus, a myomectomy focuses solely on extracting the fibroids while preserving the uterus. This procedure is ideal for women who wish to retain their fertility or keep their uterus for other personal or medical reasons. There are different types of myomectomy, including:

• Hysteroscopic Myomectomy: Performed through the vagina and cervix using a hysteroscope.
• Laparoscopic Myomectomy: A minimally invasive surgery involving small incisions and the use of a laparoscope.
• Abdominal Myomectomy: Involves a larger incision in the abdomen and is used for larger or multiple fibroids.

2. Benefits of Myomectomy

The benefits of myomectomy include:

• Symptom Relief: Alleviates symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, and pressure.
• Uterus Preservation: Retains the uterus, which is essential for women who wish to have children in the future.
• Improved Fertility: Can enhance fertility in women whose fibroids are interfering with conception or pregnancy.
• Minimally Invasive Options: Laparoscopic and hysteroscopic myomectomies are less invasive, resulting in shorter recovery times and less scarring.
• Enhanced Quality of Life: Reduces discomfort and improves overall quality of life for women suffering from fibroid-related symptoms.

3. How to Prepare for the Procedure

Preparing for your myomectomy with Dr. Adeeb Alshahrour involves several important steps:

• Medical Consultation: Schedule a consultation at the Women’s Health Center of Chicago to discuss your medical history, current medications, and the specifics of the procedure.
• Preoperative Testing: You may need to undergo blood tests, imaging studies like ultrasound or MRI, and possibly an EKG to ensure you are fit for surgery.
• Medication Review: Inform Dr. Alshahrour about all medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Some medications may need to be adjusted or stopped before the surgery.
• Fasting Instructions: Follow preoperative instructions regarding fasting, typically requiring no food or drink after midnight on the day of the surgery.
• Arrange Transportation: Arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure, as you will not be able to drive yourself due to the effects of anesthesia.

4. What to Expect During the Procedure

During your myomectomy procedure, you can expect the following:

• Anesthesia: You will receive general anesthesia to ensure you are asleep and pain-free during the surgery.
• Incisions: The type and number of incisions depend on the myomectomy technique. Laparoscopic and hysteroscopic myomectomies involve small incisions, while an abdominal myomectomy requires a larger incision.
• Procedure: Dr. Alshahrour will carefully remove the fibroids, taking care to preserve as much of the healthy uterine tissue as possible.
• Closure: After the fibroids are removed, the incisions are closed with sutures or surgical tape.
• Recovery Room: You will be taken to a recovery room to be monitored as you wake up from anesthesia.

5. Aftercare

Proper aftercare is essential for a smooth recovery:

• Rest and Recovery: Plan to rest for a few days following the procedure. Avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for several weeks.
• Incision Care: Keep the incision sites clean and dry. Follow Dr. Alshahrour’s instructions for wound care and watch for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or discharge.
• Pain Management: You may experience some discomfort and mild pain around the incision sites. Over-the-counter pain relievers or prescribed medications can help manage this.
• Follow-Up Appointments: Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments with Dr. Alshahrour to monitor your recovery and address any concerns.
• Monitor Symptoms: Report any unusual symptoms, such as fever, severe pain, or heavy bleeding, to Dr. Alshahrour immediately.