Myomectomy (Management of Uterine Fibroids)

Uterine fibroids are a common gynecological issue that affects many women of various ages. Barbara Schroeder, MD offers three different ways to address uterine fibroids: robotic, laparoscopic, and abdominally.

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A uterine fibroid is most commonly a non-cancerous smooth muscle tumor that grows inside of the uterus. These tumors can become large and incredibly painful and lead to irregular menstrual bleeding or bleeding after menopause. When these tumors grow excessively large, they can put pressure on surrounding organs in the pelvis or abdominal cavity. Myomectomies are surgical procedures that aim to remove these painful fibroids and prevent further issues from occurring.

Dr. Schroeder offers daVinci system robotic myomectomies to remove uterine fibroids in a minimally invasive manner. During a robotic myomectomy, the patient receives general anesthesia before Dr. Schroeder makes small incisions along the lower abdominal region. Miniaturized surgical instruments are inserted in these incisions to perform the precise maneuvers of the fibroid removal. Dr. Schroeder is able to navigate these instruments through 3D technology that gives a detailed visualization of the pelvic organs.

Laparoscopic myomectomies are another option with Barbara Schroeder, MD. The patient is placed under general anesthesia during a laparoscopic myomectomy before Dr. Schroeder makes a small incision in the lower abdominal region. The abdomen is then filled with carbon dioxide to expand the space and give the surgeon more room to navigate the pelvic organs. Dr. Schroeder then inserts a laparoscope to provide light and obtain video images of the uterus and other pelvic organs. This allows Dr. Schroeder to see detailed images of the uterine fibroids and effectively remove them.

In some cases, uterine fibroids may need to be removed with an abdominal myomectomy. When a myomectomy is performed abdominally, it is typically because the fibroids have grown too large to be removed through robotic or laparoscopic methods. Abdominal myomectomies may also be used when the doctor needs to examine the other pelvic organs for signs of disease.

During an abdominal myomectomy, the patient is placed under general anesthesia before a horizontal incision is made across the lower region of the abdomen. Dr. Schroeder then assesses the pelvic organs and removes the large fibroids from the uterus before closing the abdominal incision with sutures.

Virtually all myomectomies with Barbara Schroeder, MD are outpatient procedures. This allows the patient to return home the same day as their procedure. Both robotic and laparoscopic myomectomies are minimally invasive, resulting in minimal pain and shorter recovery times of only one to two weeks. Abdominal myomectomies are more extensive and invasive. There is more pain, and recovery may take about three to four weeks before the patient can return to normal activity.

REQUEST INFORMATION

If you are pregnant or thinking about getting pregnant, Dr. Schroeder is transitioning out of obstetrics and is not accepting new patients. Please reach out to the appointment line at (713) 486-6600 to schedule your annual examination or to reach the hospital. We do not schedule annual exams through this website. If you would like to request information about gynecological surgery, please complete and submit the form below.