Laparoscopic Myomectomy for Fibroids | Shakira’s Story

Laparoscopic myomectomy for fibroids can be an option for patients who want to remove uterine fibroids while preserving the uterus. For some patients, fibroids may also interfere with fertility depending on their size and location.

In this patient’s story, she was initially told that her inability to become pregnant was caused by an irreparable condition and was given information about adoption. Seeking additional opinions ultimately led to the discovery of a very large fibroid blocking her cervix.

After discussing her surgical options, she chose laparoscopic myomectomy with Dr. Tamer Seckin.

Her Journey to the Correct Diagnosis

In March 2007, the patient was devastated after being told that her inability to become pregnant was due to a condition that could not be repaired.

Rather than accepting the diagnosis, she sought a second opinion. Another physician determined that a large fibroid blocking her cervix was likely responsible for the problem.

She was presented with two surgical approaches: an open abdominal procedure through a larger “bikini” incision or a referral to Dr. Seckin to discuss minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery.

Wanting to better understand her options, she scheduled another consultation.

Choosing Laparoscopic Myomectomy

Dr. Seckin confirmed the presence of the fibroid and discussed laparoscopic myomectomy as a surgical option.

A myomectomy removes uterine fibroids while preserving the uterus. Depending on the number, size, type, and location of the fibroids, myomectomy may be performed using laparoscopic, hysteroscopic, or open abdominal techniques.

Laparoscopic myomectomy is performed through small abdominal incisions using a camera and specialized surgical instruments. Whether a patient is a candidate for this approach depends on the individual characteristics of the fibroids and the patient’s medical and reproductive circumstances.

For this patient, the minimally invasive approach offered an alternative to the open abdominal surgery she had previously been offered.

The Patient’s Original Story

“In March of 2007, I was told by a doctor that my inability to become pregnant was because of a condition that was irreparable, and had given me adoption options. Devastated by that diagnosis, I sought a second opinion, Dr. V., who said it was a very large fibroid blocking my cervix. Dr. V. gave me an option of having the surgery performed by him via bikini cut c-section, or referring me to Dr. Seckin for a laparoscopic myomectomy which I had never heard of before. Not being sure of what it was, I scheduled an appointment with Dr. Seckin for a third opinion, and to discuss Dr. V.’s options.

Dr. Seckin confirmed that the fibroid was the issue, and described the surgery to me that would be performed as an out-patient procedure, and a significantly less recovery time than the c-section surgery. I thought about it for a few weeks, and decided that this was a great choice. Dr. Seckin performed my surgery early July, I was home the same day, and within two weeks I was feeling back to normal. Needless to say, my uncomfortable cramps are no longer, I have no scar tissue in utero, and to the naked eye, you would think I scratched myself (the surgical scar is so small). Dr. Seckin did an excellent job! I haven’t tried to conceive yet, but I’m all healed up and ready to go thanks to him.”

Shakira

Recovery After Laparoscopic Fibroid Surgery

According to her account, Dr. Seckin performed the surgery in early July, and she returned home the same day.

Within approximately two weeks, she reported feeling back to normal. She also described relief from the uncomfortable menstrual cramps she had experienced before surgery and was pleased with the small size of her surgical scars.

Most importantly for her, the procedure addressed the fibroid while preserving her uterus as she continued to consider pregnancy.

Every patient’s recovery is different. Recovery time following myomectomy depends on several factors, including the surgical approach, number and location of fibroids removed, complexity of the procedure, and the patient’s overall health.

Fibroids and Fertility

Uterine fibroids are benign growths of the uterus. Many people with fibroids become pregnant without difficulty, but certain fibroids may affect fertility depending on their size and location.

Fibroids that distort or interfere with the uterine cavity may be particularly important when evaluating fertility concerns. This is why treatment decisions should be individualized rather than based simply on whether a fibroid is present.

For patients who wish to maintain the possibility of pregnancy, myomectomy differs fundamentally from hysterectomy because the uterus is preserved.

A Fertility-Preserving Approach to Fibroid Treatment

When considering laparoscopic myomectomy for fibroids, careful evaluation of the fibroid’s location, size, and relationship to the uterine cavity is essential.

The appropriate surgical technique will not be the same for every patient. The goal is to select an approach based on the patient’s anatomy, symptoms, medical history, and reproductive goals while preserving healthy uterine tissue whenever appropriate.

This patient’s experience demonstrates why seeking another medical opinion can be valuable when a diagnosis or recommended treatment could significantly affect future fertility.

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