Yes, for certain procedures such as an abdominal myomectomy, removing fibroids is considered a major surgical operation.
Understanding Abdominal Myomectomy: A Major Procedure
An abdominal myomectomy, often referred to as an "open" myomectomy, is classified as a major surgical procedure. This method involves a significant surgical intervention to remove fibroids from the uterus.
The Surgical Process in Detail
The process of an abdominal myomectomy includes several key steps that contribute to its classification as a major operation:
- Incision: The surgeon makes an incision through the skin on the lower abdomen. This cut is commonly known as a "bikini cut" due to its placement.
- Fibroid Removal: Once the incision is made, the fibroids are carefully removed from the wall of the uterus. This requires precise surgical skill to extract the growths while preserving the surrounding uterine tissue.
- Uterine Repair: After the fibroids are removed, the uterine muscle must be meticulously sewn back together. This involves using several layers of stitches to ensure the uterus heals properly and maintains its structural integrity.
Due to the nature of the incision, the direct manipulation and repair of the uterine wall, an abdominal myomectomy is a substantial surgical undertaking. This type of procedure is often chosen for larger fibroids, multiple fibroids, or fibroids located deep within the uterine wall.
For more information on myomectomy procedures, you can refer to reputable health sources like UCSF Health.
