Hysteroscopic Myomectomy in Charlottesville, VA

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What is a Hysteroscopic Myomectomy?

If you're experiencing heavy bleeding and/or pain from fibroids, minimally invasive treatment is available to provide relief. A hysteroscopic myomectomy is a procedure used to remove fibroids from the uterine cavity with no incisions. This procedure is performed using a hysteroscope, a thin lighted tube, inserted through the vagina and cervix into the uterus. The hysteroscope has an operative channel through which instruments are inserted to cut out the fibroids. It is particularly effective for treating submucosal fibroids (which are within the uterine cavity as opposed to within the uterine wall or just under the outer covering of the uterus) with minimal disruption to the uterine wall and virtually no recovery time.

Why is a Hysteroscopic Myomectomy Done?

This procedure is typically recommended to treat fibroids that cause symptoms such as:

Heavy menstrual bleeding
Pelvic pain
Abnormal bleeding
Excessive bleeding
Recurrent miscarriages
Infertility
Recurring fibroids

It is also used when nonsurgical treatments are ineffective and a less invasive procedure is possible instead of more extensive surgeries such as a laparoscopic myomectomy or abdominal myomectomy.

Who Needs a Hysteroscopic Myomectomy?

A hysteroscopic myomectomy might be recommended for individuals who:

Experience fibroid symptoms affecting their quality of life
Have submucosal fibroids or partial intramural fibroids
Have not responded to nonsurgical treatments

What are the Risks?

A hysteroscopic myomectomy is generally safe and has minimal risks. Potential risks include:

Mild discomfort during the procedure
Cramping or spotting after the procedure
The possibility of scar tissue forming within the uterine cavity
Rare risks such as infection, excessive bleeding, or uterine injury

What To Expect

If you are a candidate for a hysteroscopic myomectomy, your provider will discuss the procedure with you and answer any questions you might have.

During the procedure, you will be given anesthesia or pain medication to ensure comfort. The hysteroscope is inserted through the vagina and cervix into the uterus. The surgeon will remove the fibroids using specialized instruments that remove the fibroid in small pieces.

After the outpatient procedure, you can usually resume regular activities within a few days. You might experience mild cramping, spotting, or discharge, which should subside within a few days. It is important to avoid vaginal intercourse for several weeks to allow healing. Your provider will schedule a follow-up to monitor recovery and discuss any further treatment if needed.

Why Choose The Center For Advanced Gynecology for Your Hysteroscopic Myomectomy

The Center for Advanced Gynecology, established in 2018, is dedicated to improving your health by offering expertise in various areas, with a specific focus on gynecological care and advanced surgical techniques when surgery is needed.

Our team provides specialized expertise in non-surgical treatment of chronic pelvic pain, painful intercourse, pudendal neuralgia, and vaginal, vulvar, and bladder pain.

Since opening our doors, we have recognized the need in our community for more than just specialty care and have a growing practice in routine gynecologic care, cancer screening, Pap smears, menopausal management, hormonal imbalances, hormone replacement therapy, breast care, contraceptive care, urinary incontinence, and pelvic organ prolapse.

Frequently Asked Questions

Uterine fibroids, otherwise known as leiomyomas, are non-cancerous growths of the uterus that affect millions of women worldwide. In fact, the lifetime prevalence of fibroids is 70-80% by the age of 50 (Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2003;188(1):100–107). While many fibroids go unnoticed, sometimes the effects can be debilitating. These include heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, pelvic pressure, and can affect fertility. They are described based upon their location:

Pedunculated: On a stalk either inside or outside the uterus.
Submucosal: Just below the (mucosal) lining of the uterus and partially or entirely inside the uterine cavity.
Intramural: In the middle of the uterine wall.
Subserosal: Under the outer covering of the uterus and protruding into the abdominal cavity.

A hysteroscopic myomectomy is a less invasive procedure that removes fibroids from the uterine cavity using a hysteroscope. It is different from laparoscopic myomectomy and abdominal myomectomy, which involve incisions on the abdomen and the uterus to access and remove fibroids.

This procedure is most effective for submucosal fibroids located within the uterine cavity. It might not be suitable for intramural fibroids or large fibroids located deep within the uterine walls.

Recovery time is typically short. Most patients resume normal activities within 1-3 days, but it is recommended to avoid vaginal intercourse for several weeks to ensure proper healing.

Yes, alternatives include uterine artery embolization (a procedure that blocks blood flow to fibroids), laparoscopic procedures (minimally invasive surgeries with small incisions), fibroid ablation (electrosurgical energy is used to heat up each individual fibroid which leads to fibroid shrinkage), and other nonsurgical treatments. Your provider can help determine the best option for your specific condition.