It is estimated that up to 70 percent of women may develop uterine fibroids during their lifetime. Sometimes, uterine fibroids can lead to infertility or cause debilitating symptoms, such as heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, frequent urination, low back pain, or pain during intercourse. When this occurs, a myomectomy may be performed to remove the fibroid. A myomectomy is a conservative operation in that it preserves the uterus. This is essential to preserve fertility in women who may want to become pregnant in the future, but also is very important for many women who have completed childbearing but still desire to preserve their uterus.
A myomectomy is generally performed by a gynecologic surgeon with expertise with fertility-preserving procedures. These are also called reproductive surgeons.
Minimally invasive approaches to myomectomy provide women with a faster recovery, less post-surgical pain and discomfort following surgery, less risk of complications, and less extensive scarring than traditional (open) myomectomy. Minimally invasive approaches to myomectomy also enable some women who are not good surgical candidates due to other medical or surgical conditions to have the procedure.
Robotic myomectomy is a computer-assisted minimally invasive (laparoscopic) surgical approach. Robotic myomectomy uses a combination of high-definition 3D magnification, remote-operator technology, and miniature instruments to remove uterine fibroids and reconstruct the uterine wall. Robotic technology is highly enabling in that it reduces the ergonomic challenges posed by conventional laparoscopy. Reproductive surgeons at Brigham and Women’s Hospital are now also performing a single-port robotic myomectomy. This approach uses a single incision to access the uterus through the belly button, resulting in a scarless surgery.
The Center for Infertility and Reproductive Surgery (CIRS) at Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH) is one of the premier infertility and reproductive medicine programs in the country. Our renowned team has one of the highest numbers of physicians in the nation that are certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology in reproductive endocrinology and fertility services. Our expertise and access to the latest therapies and technologies in reproductive disorders and reproductive surgery enable us to tailor treatments to meet your individual needs. View our Center for Infertility and Reproductive Surgery Team.
The faculty members and researchers at the BWH Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology are dedicated to doing everything possible to provide women and their families with the most advanced care available anywhere.
As a teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School, we are world-renowned for our expertise in gynecology and obstetrics, and have been a trusted name in women’s health for more than 180 years. Our rich history includes landmark research that has helped guide the care provided to women around the world. Learn more about our research.
Our commitment to patient- and family-focused care has shaped our Center for Women and Newborns at the Mary Horrigan Connors Center for Women’s Health – world-renowned for the quality of our obstetrical and neonatal care and dedicated to the most comprehensive state-of-the-art obstetrical services under one roof. Brigham and Women’s Hospital is the birthing center most women in Massachusetts choose and U.S. News & World Report has repeatedly named Brigham and Women’s Hospital among the top hospitals in the nation in Gynecology.
BWH has long been committed to not only the care of our patients but also the many other needs that they and their families have. This philosophy of patient- and family-focused care – involving systems and services that emphasize healing in a comfortable, relaxed environment – is a guiding force behind the care we provide.
BWH is committed to providing all of our patients with the safest, highest-quality care possible and follow established protocols that have been shown to improve patient outcomes. Our Inpatient Satisfaction Survey, sent to patients’ to assess their total care experience, helps us to monitor what we are doing well and where we could improve. We pride ourselves in the Quality of Patient Care we provide and how we compare with other hospitals.
If you believe you should have an evaluation and would like to schedule an appointment with one of our experts, call 1-800-294-9999 to speak to one of our knowledgeable coordinators who can help to connect you to the doctor that best meets your needs, or fill out an online appointment request.
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