Laparoscopic myomectomy for fibroids penetrating the uterine cavity: is it a safe procedure?
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of the study was to evaluate the post-operative course and follow up of women who had undergone laparoscopic removal of intramural fibroids penetrating the uterine cavity.


METHODS
Retrospective study.


METHODS
Center for Reconstructive Pelvic Endosurgery, Italy.


METHODS
Thirty-four women with fibroids penetrating the uterine cavity.


METHODS
Laparoscopic myomectomy.


METHODS
Feasibility and safety of surgical technique, length of operation, blood loss, intra- or post-operative complications, length of hospital stay, resolution of symptoms and future obstetric outcome.


RESULTS
The mean operative time was 79 (SD 30) minutes; the mean reduction in haemoglobin was 1.1 +/- 0.9 g/dL. No intra- or post-operative complications were observed. The average post-operative stay in hospital was 54 (SD 22) hours. Nineteen (73%) out of 26 patients who had experienced symptoms prior to surgery reported resolution of these symptoms post-operatively. All patients resumed work within a mean time of 20 (SD 8) days. Among 23 of the 32 patients attempting pregnancy during the follow up period, nine (39%) conceived within one year. Seven pregnancies went to term without complications.


CONCLUSIONS
The clinical results of this study suggest that laparoscopic myomectomy for intramural fibroids penetrating the uterine cavity is a safe procedure, providing well known advantages of minimal access surgery.
Seracchioli
R
R
Center for Reconstructive Pelvic Endosurgery, Reproductive Medicine Unit, S. Orsola Hospital, University of Bologna, Italy.
Colombo
F M
FM
Bagnoli
A
A
Govoni
F
F
Missiroli
S
S
Venturoli
S
S
D000328:Adult; D016063:Blood Loss, Surgical; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D007889:Leiomyoma / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D007902:Length of Stay; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014594:Uterine Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*