Myomectomy
A myomectomy is surgery to remove uterine fibroids — benign growths in the wall of the womb — while leaving the uterus in place. Unlike a hysterectomy, it preserves the womb, making it the preferred option for women who have fibroid symptoms such as heavy bleeding or pressure and who wish to keep the possibility of pregnancy.
Medically reviewed by the Florence Healthcare medical team · Last reviewed June 2026
Overview
Fibroids are common, benign muscular growths in the womb that can cause heavy or prolonged periods, pelvic pressure or pain, and sometimes affect fertility or pregnancy. When fibroids are symptomatic but a woman wishes to keep her uterus — particularly to preserve fertility — a myomectomy removes the fibroids while leaving the womb intact and able to carry a pregnancy. The right approach depends on the number, size and position of the fibroids.
There are several routes. Hysteroscopic myomectomy removes fibroids that bulge into the cavity of the womb through the vagina and cervix, with no incisions. Laparoscopic or robotic myomectomy removes fibroids in the wall of the womb through small abdominal incisions. Open (abdominal) myomectomy, through a larger incision, may be needed for very large or numerous fibroids. Where helpful, treatment beforehand can shrink fibroids and reduce bleeding at surgery.
Because the womb is repaired rather than removed, the surgeon advises on healing and, for women planning pregnancy, on timing and on how a future delivery may be managed. Fibroids can sometimes recur over time. International patients receive a coordinator who arranges surgery and a recovery window, and our specialists can review your scans first to recommend the best approach.
Who is a candidate?
- Women with symptomatic fibroids — heavy bleeding, pelvic pressure or pain
- Those who wish to preserve the womb, particularly to keep the option of pregnancy
- Women whose fibroids may be affecting fertility or causing recurrent pregnancy loss
- Patients whose fibroids are suitable for removal by a hysteroscopic, keyhole or open route
- Women seeking a uterus-preserving alternative to hysterectomy after counselling
What happens
- 1
Assessment
Ultrasound or MRI maps the number, size and position of the fibroids, which determines whether a hysteroscopic, laparoscopic, robotic or open approach is best.
- 2
Preparation
You are prepared for anesthesia, and the surgeon explains the chosen route and recovery. Medication is sometimes used beforehand to shrink fibroids and reduce bleeding at surgery.
- 3
The operation
The fibroids are removed by the planned route — through the womb cavity with no incisions, through small keyhole incisions, or open — and the wall of the womb is carefully repaired.
- 4
Early recovery
Hysteroscopic and keyhole routes usually allow a shorter stay and quicker recovery than open surgery. You receive advice on activity, lifting and, if relevant, timing of pregnancy.
- 5
Follow-up
A follow-up confirms healing and discusses any plans for pregnancy. International patients plan a recovery window before flying, with remote support after returning home.
Benefits
- Removes symptomatic fibroids while preserving the womb
- Keeps the option of pregnancy open, unlike a hysterectomy
- Relieves heavy bleeding, pelvic pressure and fibroid-related pain
- Several routes — hysteroscopic, keyhole, robotic or open — matched to the fibroids
- Minimally invasive routes can mean a quicker, more comfortable recovery
Risks & considerations
- The general risks of surgery and anesthesia — bleeding, infection and clots
- Fibroids can sometimes recur over time after removal
- Heavier bleeding during surgery than with some other procedures, occasionally needing transfusion
- For future pregnancies, the surgeon may advise on delivery depending on how deep the repair was
- Rarely, if bleeding cannot be controlled, removal of the womb may become necessary
Conditions this treats
Where it is performed
This procedure is delivered by our Robotic Surgery Center.
Learn more before you decide
Provider-reviewed guides on the related conditions, symptoms and tests in our Health Library.
Myomectomy — frequently asked questions
A myomectomy removes the fibroids while leaving the womb in place, whereas a hysterectomy removes the womb itself. Myomectomy is the preferred option for women who want to relieve fibroid symptoms but keep their uterus, particularly to preserve fertility.
Preserving the womb keeps the possibility of pregnancy open, and myomectomy is often chosen for this reason. Your surgeon advises on healing, the timing of any pregnancy, and how a future delivery may be managed depending on the surgery.
Yes, fibroids can sometimes recur over time after a myomectomy. Your specialist discusses your individual likelihood and how any new symptoms would be monitored and managed.
Yes. Send your ultrasound or MRI and reports and our specialists recommend the best surgical route and advise on what to expect before you commit to travel.
Hysteroscopic and keyhole myomectomy often mean a day case or one to three nights with a two-to-four-week recovery; open surgery needs longer before flying — your coordinator confirms the plan. We provide a transparent, itemized estimate after reviewing your case rather than a fixed online price.
Related treatments
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