9 Hysterectomy and myomectomy by laparotomy

Abstract

Hysterectomy provides definitive treatment for uterine fibroids. Surgery should be offered to women whose fibroids are symptomatic; it is not indicated on the basis of uterine size alone. Myomectomy is an option for those wishing to preserve uterine function. The prospects for successful pregnancy following myomectomy are encouraging, although there is a significant risk of the later recurrence of fibroids. Laparotomy remains the most appropriate surgical approach for large fibroids, although vaginal, rather than abdominal, hysterectomy may be suitable for some women whose uteri do not exceed a 12–14 week gestation size. There is some evidence that the morbidity of abdominal procedures increases with very large uteri. Uterine shrinkage with GnRH analogues may facilitate vaginal hysterectomy and be useful prior to abdominal hysterectomy or myomectomy for very large fibroids, although cost-effectiveness for its use with abdominal procedures has not been demonstrated.