Myomas, the most common benign tumors in women, can cause many health problems. These masses, which develop due to smooth muscle cells, mainly affect women of reproductive age and require surgery for treatment.

Since myomas are estrogen-dependent, they increase during reproductive age and especially during pregnancy, but start to shrink after menopause. Genetic predisposition plays an important role, and the most effective treatment method is myoma surgery.

How many types of myomas are there?

Although called tumors, these benign masses are named according to the part of the uterus they form in. Intramural myomas are the most common type. These tumors develop within the muscle wall of the uterus, grow over time, and cause the uterus to stretch.

Another type is subserosal myomas, which form in the serosa layer on the outer layers of the uterus. If subserosal myomas are supported by a stalk, they are called pedunculated myomas. The rarest type is submucosal myomas, which form in the middle part of the uterine muscle layer called the myometrium.

What are the symptoms of myomas?

• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Severe pain in the groin and back area
• Increased frequency of urination
• Pain during sexual intercourse
• Swelling in the lower abdomen
• Growth and bloating in the abdomen

When is myoma surgery performed?

Hormonal medications that reduce the size of myomas can be used in treatment, but some situations require surgical intervention. Surgery is necessary if the myoma causes symptoms or prevents pregnancy. Accordingly, if a person has excessive menstrual bleeding, bleeding between periods, feels incomplete bladder emptying, and most importantly, plans to have children in the future, surgery is required.

What is myoma surgery?

Myoma surgery refers to the surgical removal of myomas from the body. Known as myomectomy, this surgery can be done openly or laparoscopically. In laparoscopic myoma surgery, a small incision is made in the abdomen, and a camera along with medical instruments is inserted into the abdominal cavity to perform the operation. The biggest advantage of laparoscopic surgery is no visible scars and a shorter recovery time.

Open myoma surgery is performed under general anesthesia, with a vertical or horizontal incision made in the lower abdomen. Horizontal incisions are preferred for smaller myomas, generally 7-10 centimeters long.

Vertical incisions are rarely used and only for very large myomas. Through the incision, the surgeon removes the myomas from the uterine wall and sutures the muscle layer. The hospital stay usually lasts between 1 to 3 days.

What should be considered after surgery?

• Postoperative pain is normal and can be managed with painkillers prescribed by the doctor.
• Spotting or light bleeding between 3 and 7 days after surgery is normal.
• Patients are usually discharged 1 or 2 days after surgery.
• Recovery time may take 4 to 6 weeks depending on the surgery type and patient.
• Patients should avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities until fully healed.
• The decision to resume sexual activity should be made together with the doctor.

We wish you healthy days.