Hysteroscopic myomectomy for submucous fibroids
When ultrasound and diagnostic hysteroscopy show that there is a small to medium
sized fibroid (typically < 5 cm diameter) projecting into the uterine cavity,
hysteroscopic myomectomy (excision) becomes an attractive treatment option. It is
usually carried out using a special operating hysteroscope called a resectoscope.
Surgery involves slicing the fibroid
into small pieces under visual control which can then be removed from the
womb. Hysteroscopic myomectomy is usually very successful, and many women have avoided
hysterectomy or major open surgery as a result.
As with hysteroscopic polypectomy, there is no reason why hysteroscopic myomectomy should not be a day-case procedure in most cases. In the case of small fibroids, it may be possible to do undergo the surgery under light sedation and local anaesthesia without the need for a general anaesthetic.