Uterine fibroids are common, but that doesn’t make them easy to live with. Every woman’s fibroid experience is unique, and some have heavy bleeding, pain, pelvic pressure, or fertility issues that severely impact their well-being.
When uterine fibroid symptoms become severe, your doctor may recommend surgery. Two common treatment options are hysterectomy and myomectomy. Knowing the differences can help equip you for a more productive, informed consultation as you explore your options.
Below, we’ll look at the differences between hysterectomy and myomectomy, and how they ultimately aim for the same goal using very different methods.
What Is a Myomectomy?
A myomectomy is a surgical procedure that was designed specifically for removing uterine fibroids. Instead of removing the entire uterus, the surgeon carefully removes fibroids while also repairing the uterine tissue. There are several methods for performing this procedure, depending on the size, location, and number of fibroids.
- Laparoscopic myomectomy: Your surgeon inflates your abdomen with gas, inserts a thin, lighted camera (laparoscope), and uses surgical instruments to remove the fibroids.
- Robotic myomectomy: Your surgeon operates using miniature instruments attached to robotic arms.
- Hysteroscopic myomectomy: Your surgeon inserts a lighted telescope (hysteroscope) and uses special instruments to shave the fibroids into tiny pieces before suctioning them out.
- A traditional abdominal incision: A traditional incision is a major surgical procedure. It is usually reserved for large, numerous, or deeply embedded uterine fibroids.
What Is a Hysterectomy?
Unlike myomectomy, which removes uterine fibroids but preserves the uterus, hysterectomy is a surgical procedure that removes the uterus entirely. Depending on the patient’s condition and treatment goals, a hysterectomy may also involve removing the cervix, fallopian tubes, and sometimes the ovaries.
Because the uterus is removed, fibroids cannot return after a hysterectomy. It is considered a definitive treatment for uterine fibroids and other uterine conditions. However, pregnancy is no longer possible after a hysterectomy.
Myomectomy vs. Hysterectomy: Key Differences
Fertility
One of the biggest differences between a hysterectomy and a myomectomy is fertility. A myomectomy preserves the uterus, allowing many women to pursue pregnancy if they so desire. A hysterectomy, on the other hand, permanently eliminates the possibility of carrying a pregnancy.
For women who hope to have children, this factor alone often plays a significant role in treatment decisions.
Fibroid Recurrence
Myomectomy removes existing fibroids, but it does not prevent new fibroids from developing. Many women do experience long-lasting symptom relief, but some develop new fibroids years later. Since a hysterectomy removes the uterus entirely, fibroids cannot return at any time.
Recovery Time
Recovery time varies from person to person and largely depends on the surgical approach used. But minimally invasive procedures tend to involve quicker healing.
Many patients who undergo minimally invasive myomectomy are able to resume their normal daily activities within a few weeks. However, recovery from hysterectomy can vary quite a bit depending on whether it was performed laparoscopically, robotically, vaginally, or through an open abdominal incision.
Your provider can give you a more accurate recovery time estimate based on your specific treatment plan.
Long-Term Considerations
For women who want to preserve their uterus and/or hope to have children in the future, myomectomy can provide significant symptom relief without impacting their family planning. For women whose families are complete and who want a permanent solution to fibroid symptoms, a hysterectomy can offer peace of mind by eliminating the risk of recurrence.
Schedule Your Fibroid Treatment Today
Neither option is universally “better,” and the “right” choice depends on your symptoms, age, reproductive goals, overall health, and personal preferences.
If you’d like to learn more about which uterine fibroid treatment is right for you, call our compassionate care team by contacting us at Atlanta Women’s Obstetrics & Gynecology at (404) 352-3616 today.