What is Vaginal Myoma Surgery? Methods, Risks and Recovery Process

Vaginal myoma surgery is an operation in which myomas are removed by a surgical method performed through the vagina of the uterus. This surgery, performed vaginally, is generally preferred for removing myomas that are inside the uterus or close to the uterine wall. With this method, myomas are removed without any large incisions outside the body, thus patients recover faster and the risk of post-operative complications is reduced. Vaginal myoma surgery can be performed as a uterine-sparing surgery and can be a suitable option especially for women who want to preserve their fertility.


 

What is Vaginal Myoma Surgery?

Vaginal myoma surgery is a surgical method in which fibroids in the uterus are removed vaginally. Myomas are benign tumors originating from the muscle tissue of the uterus and can cause various symptoms in women depending on their size, number and location. Vaginal surgery is a suitable surgical option especially for fibroids located close to the inner layer of the uterus or the uterine wall. This surgery removes myomas without making large incisions, allowing patients to recover more quickly and return to their daily lives more quickly.

Vaginal myoma surgery is a surgery performed to preserve the uterus, so it is a suitable option for women with fertility potential.

Why Do Myomas Form?

Myomas are tumors that occur as a result of abnormal growth of the uterine muscle tissue. It is not known exactly why fibroids, which are usually benign, form, but it is thought that some factors trigger the development of fibroids.

Causes of Myoma Formation and Risk Factors:

• Genetic Predisposition: Women with a family history of fibroids are more likely to develop fibroids.
• Hormones: High levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone in particular encourage the growth of fibroids.
• Age: Myomas are usually more common between the ages of 30-40.
• Obesity: The risk of developing fibroids is higher in overweight women. is high.
• Diet and Lifestyle: A diet low in fiber and excessive red meat consumption may increase the risk of myoma.

The causes of myoma development may vary from person to person, but the factors above are among those that increase the risk.

Symptoms of Myomas

Myomas may show different symptoms depending on their size and location. Small fibroids usually do not cause symptoms, while larger fibroids or those that are numerous can put pressure on the uterus and cause some health problems.

Common Myoma Symptoms:

• Heavy and Prolonged Menstrual Bleeding: Myomas can cause excessive menstrual bleeding. This can lead to blood-related health problems such as anemia.
• Pelvic Pain: If there are large fibroids in the uterus, you may experience constant pain or a feeling of pressure in the lower abdomen.
• Frequent Urination: Fibroids can press on the bladder, increasing the frequency of urination.
• Constipation: Digestive problems can occur as a result of fibroids pressing on the intestines.
• Infertility: As fibroids take up space in the uterus, they can prevent the embryo from implanting, making it difficult to get pregnant.

These symptoms may vary depending on the size and location of the fibroids. If such symptoms are experienced, it is recommended to consult a doctor.

When is Vaginal Myoma Surgery Necessary?

Not every myoma requires surgery. Some myomas do not cause symptoms when they are small and can only be monitored under the supervision of a doctor. However, if the fibroids grow or start to show serious symptoms, vaginal myoma surgery may be necessary.

Conditions Requiring Vaginal Myoma Surgery:

• Heavy Menstrual Bleeding: If the fibroids cause excessive and prolonged bleeding during menstrual periods.
• Pelvic Pain: If the fibroids cause constant pain in the abdomen or pelvic area.
• Infertility: If the fibroids disrupt the structure of the uterus and negatively affect fertility.
• Pressure Symptoms: Frequent urination, constipation, etc.if symptoms that put pressure on organs are seen.

In these cases, your doctor can evaluate the surgery and determine the most appropriate surgical method.

Vaginal Myoma Surgery Methods

In vaginal myoma surgery, minimally invasive techniques are used instead of large incisions made in the uterus. These surgeries performed vaginally are especially suitable for myomas on the inner surface of the uterus or close to the vaginal opening.

Vaginal Myoma Surgery Methods:

1. Hysteroscopic Myomectomy: A thin device called a hysteroscope is placed into the uterus through the vagina. This method is suitable for removing myomas close to the inner surface of the uterus. This method, which is performed vaginally without making an incision, speeds up the healing process.
2. Vaginal Myoma Removal: In cases where the myomas are close to the lower part of the uterus, it is possible to remove the myomas vaginally. This method involves removing the myoma with incisions made in the vagina and does not leave large surgical scars.

These methods are preferred according to the patient's general health status, the number and size of the myomas.

How is Vaginal Myoma Surgery Performed?

Vaginal myoma surgery is an operation performed under general anesthesia. To remove the fibroids, the surgeon reaches the uterus through the vagina and removes the fibroids using minimally invasive surgical methods.

Vaginal Myoma Surgery Step by Step:

1. Anesthesia: The surgery is performed under general anesthesia, so the patient does not feel any pain or discomfort during the procedure.
2. Hysteroscope Placement: With the hysteroscopic method, the fibroids are visualized with a device placed inside the uterus.
3. Removal of Myomas: The fibroids are cut from inside the uterus with appropriate instruments and removed. The uterus is protected during this procedure.
4. Closing the Incisions: Since there are no external incisions in vaginal surgeries, the recovery period is faster.

This surgery usually takes 1-2 hours and, depending on the patient's condition, there is a chance of being discharged on the same day.

Post-Operative Recovery Process

The recovery process after vaginal myomectomy surgery is faster compared to other surgical methods. Patients can return to their normal lives within a few days after surgery, but there are some points to consider during the recovery process.

Things to Consider During the Recovery Process:

• Rest: It is important to rest and avoid heavy activities for the first few days after surgery.
• Pain Management: There may be mild pain after surgery. This pain can be controlled with painkillers prescribed by the doctor.
• Hygiene: Paying attention to the hygiene of the vaginal area reduces the risk of infection.
• Physical Activity: Heavy exercise should be avoided for the first few weeks. Light physical activities can be started with the doctor's approval.
• Sexual Intercourse: Sexual intercourse can usually be started 4-6 weeks after surgery.

The full recovery period can vary between 2-4 weeks.

Risks of Vaginal Myoma Surgery

As with any surgical intervention, vaginal myoma surgery also carries some risks. However, these risks are generally minimal and are rare when performed by experienced surgeons.

Possible Risks:

• Infection: There is a risk of infection after surgery, but good hygiene and following the doctor's recommendations minimize this risk.
• Bleeding: Bleeding may occur during or after the surgical procedure.
• Uterine Damage: There is a risk of damage to the uterine tissue during surgery, but this risk is minimal.
• Anesthesia Complications: Anesthesia-related complications can occur, although rarely.

Although these risks are low, your doctor should inform you about this before surgery. will inform and take the necessary precautions.

Vaginal Myoma Surgery and Pregnancy

Vaginal myoma surgery is a method that preserves fertility potential. Preserving the uterus after surgery may increase the chance of pregnancy. However, each patient's condition is different and the chance of fertility after surgery depends on personal factors.

Effect on Pregnancy:

• Fertility is Preserved: Vaginal myoma surgery uterusi protects the myomas and removes them, thus the chance of fertility continues.
• Pregnancy Planning: After complete recovery after surgery, pregnancy can usually be achieved within 6-12 months.

The fertility status after surgery should be evaluated with the doctor.

Risk of Recurrence of Myomas

Myomas can grow again after surgical removal. However, myomas removed with vaginal myomectomy are usually completely removed and the risk of recurrence is minimal.

Possibility of Recurrence of Myomas:

• Age: The risk of recurrence of myomas is higher in women who have myomectomy at a young age.
• Regular Check-ups: Regular doctor visits are important to check whether the myomas have recurred.

These risks will be monitored by your doctor and the necessary check-ups will be provided.

Alternative Methods in Myoma Treatment

Vaginal myoma surgery may not always be the first choice. In some cases, if myomas do not cause symptoms, non-surgical treatment methods may be preferred.

Alternative Treatment Options:

• Drug Therapy: Myomas can be reduced with hormone treatments.
• Uterine Artery Embolization: In order to reduce the size of myomas, a method of cutting off blood flow to the uterine vessels can be applied.
• Focused Ultrasound Therapy: Myomas can be treated with high-intensity ultrasound waves.

These methods can help treat myomas without requiring surgical intervention.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is vaginal myomectomy painful?

The surgery is performed under general anesthesia, so there is no pain during the procedure. There may be mild pain after the surgery, but this can be controlled with painkillers prescribed by the doctor.

2. How long does it take to recover after vaginal myomectomy?

The recovery period is usually between 2-4 weeks. However, this period may vary depending on the patient's general health and the difficulty of the surgery.

3. Does vaginal myomectomy affect fertility?

No, vaginal myomectomy is a surgery that preserves the uterus and preserves the chance of fertility.

4. Do myomas grow back after surgery?

Yes, myomas can reoccur after surgical removal. However, this condition is not seen in every patient and can be monitored with regular doctor check-ups.

5. How long does vaginal myoma surgery take?

The surgery usually takes 1-2 hours, but the time may vary depending on the number and size of the myomas.

6. What are the risks of vaginal myoma surgery?

As with every surgical intervention, vaginal myoma surgery also has some risks. Risks such as infection, bleeding and uterine damage can be seen, although rarely.