title: Sonographic evaluation of the myomectomy 'scars'.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong.
authors.forename: T C
authors.initials: TC
authors.lastname: Pun
authors.forename: M T
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: Chau
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Lam
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Tang
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Leong
mesh_terms: 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