Sonographic evaluation of the myomectomy 'scars'.
BACKGROUND
The evolution of myomectomy 'scars' has not been reported. This prospective study was carried out to determine the evolution of the myomectomy 'scars' following conventional open myomectomy.


METHODS
Ten patients admitted for myomectomy were recruited. The sizes of the leiomyomata were determined with ultrasonography. Serial sonographic examinations were performed following the open myomectomy so as to determine the morphology and volume of the scars. The volumes of the uterus were also measured to document the postoperative remodeling of the uterus.


RESULTS
The myomectomy 'scars' were represented by an area with mixed echogenic echoes in the immediate postoperative period. In one month, their volumes decreased to less than 5% of the preoperative volumes and were reduced to vague areas marked by short echogenic lines at 6 months. Most of the remodeling of the uterus occurred in the first month postoperatively.


CONCLUSIONS
The mixed echogenic areas probably represented the approximated myometrial walls of the leiomyomata. Detection of such in postoperative sonography should not cause undue alarm.
Pun
T C
TC
Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong.
Chau
M T
MT
Lam
C
C
Tang
G
G
Leong
L
L
D000328:Adult; D002921:Cicatrix / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007889:Leiomyoma / Q000601:surgery*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014594:Uterine Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D014599:Uterus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D014945:Wound Healing