Myomectomy during cesarean section

Reflections on Postpartum Hysterectomy as a Possible Complication of Cesarean Myomectomy: A Long Debate

Uterine fibroids are common benign tumors found in fertile women. Numerous obstetrical issues, such as dystocia during labor, fetal hypotrophy, a ruptured amniotic sac, early labor, low-birth-weight newborns, etc., are associated with fibrous pregnant uteri. Cesarean myomectomy is not a common procedure because of the possibility of postpartum hysterectomy or a potentially lethal hemorrhage. For the chosen topic, we present two instances of emergency postpartum hysterectomies following cesarean myomectomy. After a cesarean myomectomy, two women experienced a perioperative hemorrhage that required a postpartum hysterectomy without a salpingo-oophorectomy. A postpartum hysterectomy was required in every instance due to the failure of additional hemostatic techniques to control the bleeding after the cesarean myomectomy. In every case, the location and number of fibroids-rather than their size-were the primary factors leading to the postpartum hysterectomy. In order to ensure that the patient is safe and that the advantages outweigh the dangers, the current trends in cesarean myomectomy include aiming to conduct the procedure either electively or when it offers an opportunity. The treatment is still up for debate because it is unknown how dangerous a second hysterectomy is for people who have had a cesarean myomectomy.

Risk factors based on myoma characteristics for predicting postoperative complications following cesarean myomectomy

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the influence of myoma characteristics on cesarean myomectomy and to demonstrate its additional advantages.

METHODS

Retrospective data were collected from 292 women with myomas who had undergone cesarean section at Kangnam Sacred Heart Hospital between 2007 and 2019. We performed subgroup analysis according to the type, weight, number, and size of myomas. Preoperative and postoperative hemoglobin levels, operative time, estimated blood loss, length of hospital stay, incidence of transfusion, uterine artery embolization, ligation, hysterectomy, and postoperative complications were compared among subgroups.

RESULTS

There were 119 patients who had cesarean myomectomy and 173 who had cesarean section only. An increase in postoperative hospitalization and operation time was observed in the cesarean myomectomy group compared to that in the caesarean section only group (mean difference, 0.7 days, p = 0.01, 13.5 minutes, p <0.001). Estimated blood loss, hemoglobin differences, and transfusion rates were higher in the cesarean myomectomy than in the cesarean section only group. There were no differences in postoperative complications (fever, bladder injury, and ileus) between the two groups. No hysterectomy cases were reported in the cesarean myomectomy group. In subgroup analysis, the larger and heavier the myoma, the higher the risk of bleeding that led to transfusion. Estimated blood loss, differences in hemoglobin, and transfusion rate increased depending on myoma size and weight. A significant increase in postoperative hospitalization was observed in women with larger and heavier myomas. However, there was no statistical difference among the three types of myomas.

CONCLUSION

In cesarean myomectomy, larger (≥ 10 cm), and heavier myomas (≥ 500 g), were associated with postoperative outcomes, but not the number or type of myoma. The safety of cesarean myomectomy is not inferior to that of caesarean section only, considering its positive effects such as gynecological symptom relief and avoidance of the next surgery.

A case of incarcerated gravid uterus with a history of cesarean section was a good candidate for manual reduction: A case report

Because the anterior lower uterine segment is stretched, the incarcerated gravid uterus case with a history of cesarean section is a good candidate for manual reduction.

Myomectomy during cesarean section: A retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the value of myomectomy during delivery by cesarean section (CS) in pregnant women with uterine fibroids.

METHODS

Retrospective cohort study of pregnant women diagnosed to have uterine fibroids during index pregnancy. Women who underwent myomectomy during CS (study group; n = 91) were compared with women in whom myomectomy was not performed during CS (control group; n = 87).

RESULTS

No significant difference between both groups in the amount of blood transfusion and postoperative hemoglobin level. The operative time was significantly higher in the myomectomy group than in the control group (80.22 ± 13.06 vs 56.67 ± 8.85 min; P <  0.001). Also, the postoperative hospital stay period was significantly higher in the myomectomy group (P <  0.001).

CONCLUSION

Myomectomy during CS can be performed safely without increase in the peripartum maternal morbidities. It only may prolong the operative time and postoperative hospital stay period but it may have many benefits including avoiding another operation to remove fibroids.

Myomectomy During Cesarean Section: Why Do We Abstain From?

Objectives

To assess the intra- and postoperative results of cesarean myomectomy.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted to collect the results of cesarean myomectomy procedures performed in our tertiary center between June 2013 and December 2018. The subjects were 2219 pregnant women undergoing cesarean section at these units.

Results

A total of 2219 scheduled patients undergoing CS were included in the present study. Sixty-five patients have undergone intramural myomectomy during CS; 82 patients have had subserosal myomectomy during CS. No statistically significant differences were found between the three groups in changes of preoperative Hb, postoperative Hb, mean Hb and length of hospital stay. Operation times were significantly longer in both intramural and subserosal myomectomy groups (45.23 ± 8.498 vs. 39.02 ± 6.824 vs. 32.14 ± 5.423 min, p 0.01). Only in the intramural myomectomy group, two patients were subjected to blood transfusion (3%). Assessment of intramural myomectomy patients was carried out by taking 5 cm as the cutoff value. No statistical differences were found between the two groups in terms of mean Hb change, operation time, length of hospital stay. In the group with intramural myomectomy larger than 5 cm, two (15.38%) patients needed a blood transfusion.

Conclusions

Cesarean myomectomy operation performed by experienced surgeons has no adverse effects other than lengthening the duration of operation and can be safely implemented.

Outcome of Cesarean Myomectomy: Is it a Safe Procedure?

Objective

Myomectomy performed during cesarean section is still controversial because of the potential for associated complications, especially with large myomas. Many obstetricians avoid performing cesarean myomectomy procedures because of the risk of uncontrollable hemorrhage. However, the prevalence of pregnant women with myomas is increasing, leading to an increase in the likelihood that physicians will encounter this issue. The aim of this study was to compare outcomes and complications of patients who either had or did not have cesarean myomectomy.

Method

A total of 361 patients were evaluated in this retrospective study. Patients who had cesarean section with myomectomy and patients had cesarean section without myomectomy were compared with regard to demographics, drop in hemoglobin levels, complications, blood transfusion rates and duration of operation. These parameters were also compared when the diameter of the myoma was larger than 5 cm. Values of p < 0.01 and p < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results

While maternal age and gravidity were similar in both groups (p > 0.05), the mean myoma diameter was smaller and the duration of operation was longer in the group who underwent cesarean myomectomy (p < 0.05). The reduction in hemoglobin level, rate of complications, and number of transfusions were similar in both groups (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

This study shows that myomectomy during cesarean section does not increase complications or transfusion rates and appears to be a safe procedure.

Cesarean myomectomy trends and controversies: an appraisal

OBJECTIVE

Although the first report on cesarean myomectomy (CM) was a century ago, the management of a myomectomy during a cesarean section (CS) remains controversial. The objective of this study is to provide the latest data on this topic regarding the techniques and complications of CM.

METHODS

The authors consulted the most important scientific databases investigating the indications and contraindications for CM, the operational techniques, benefits and complications.

RESULTS

CM provides the benefits of two surgeries in one laparotomy, avoiding the risks of repeated anesthesia and relaparotomy. Nevertheless, in some patients, CM may be associated with increased morbidity and, in such cases, an interval myomectomy might be a safer option. Myomas compromising fetal extraction and uterine incision and/or suturing should be preferably enucleated during CS. CM is generally considered relatively safe in cases of anterior wall myomas, subserous and pedunculated myomas, particularly if a myomectomy is feasible without additional hysterotomy. Multiple myomas, deep intramural, fundal and cornual myomas and posterior uterine wall myomas are associated with more surgical complications during CM.

CONCLUSIONS

With increasing reports in favor of CM, the risk-benefit ratio should be still evaluated with randomized controlled trials, in order to achieve more data on CM.

The safety of cesarean myomectomy in women with large myomas

Objective

To evaluate the safety of cesarean myomectomy in large myomas sized >5 cm.

Methods

One hundred sixty-five pregnant women with myomas who delivered via cesarean section were identified. Ninety-six women had cesarean section without myomectomy, and 65 women underwent cesarean myomectomy. We compared the maternal characteristics, neonatal weight, myoma types, and operative outcomes between two groups. We further analyzed cesarean myomectomy group according to myoma size. The large myoma was defined as myoma >5 cm in size. The maternal characteristics, neonatal weight, and myoma types were compared between two groups. We also compared the operative outcomes such as preoperative and postoperative hemoglobin, operative time, and hospitalized days between two groups.

Results

There were no significant differences in the maternal characteristics, myoma types, neonatal weight and operative outcomes between cesarean section without myomectomy and cesarean myomectomy. The subgroup analysis according to myoma size (>5 cm or not) in cesarean myomectomy group revealed that there were no significant differences in the mean hemoglobin change (1.2 vs. 1.3 mg/dL, P=0.6), operative time (90.5 vs. 93.1 minutes, P=0.46), and the length of hospital stay (4.7 vs. 5.2 days, P=0.15) between two groups. The comparison of maternal characteristics, neonatal weight, and myoma types between two groups also showed no statistical significance.

Conclusion

Cesarean myomectomy in patients with large myomas is a safe and effective procedure.

The evaluation of myomectomies performed during cesarean section in our clinic

BACKGROUND

We evaluated the data of patients who had applied myomectomy during cesarean section operation in our clinic between April, 2008 and December, 2010.

OBJECTIVE

I0 n this period, 3689 cesarean sections were done in our clinic, we analyzed their data retrospectively and determined 27 myomectomy cases during cesarean section operation. The age of the patients, the numbers of pregnancy, parities, the rates of abortus, indications of cesarean, pregnancy weeks, residential areas of myoms detected during the cesarean and their size, were recorded. Furthermore, pre-operative and post-operative hemoglobin (Hb) values, differences between hemoglobin values, whether there was bleeding or not, the need of blood transfusion if it occurred, the duration of operation and hospitaization and the pathological diagnoses of myomectomy materials, were examined.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Retrospective study of myomectomies.

RESULTS

The mean age of patients was 29.6±5.9 (19-42) and mean gestational age was 39.2±1.0(37-42) weeks. The mean size of the fibroids was 5.94±6.29 cm(3) (0.96-26.50 cm3). Subserous myoms were the most frequently seen ones (24 of 27 patients=89%) with fundal, corporal localizations in most of the instances. T0 he pre-operative and post-operative values of Hb were 11.8±1.52 (8.6-10.5) and 10.3±2.6 (6.9-13.3) g/dl respectively and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.001). Blood transfusion was not necessary in any patient. The mean duration of the operation was found to be 40.7±13.9 (13-60) minutes.

CONCLUSION

Myomectomies can be performed safely during cesarean section by experienced obstetricians and gynecologists, and myomectomy performed for fibroids in appropriate localizations does not increase post-operative bleeding or maternal morbidity or mortality.

Myomectomy during Cesarean Section: A Safe Procedure?

A patient's frequent request is the simultaneous surgical removal of a previously diagnosed myoma during cesarean section. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of myomectomy during cesarean section. From January 1995 until December 2004, 47 pregnant women with coexisting uterine myomas underwent cesarean section and simultaneous myomectomy. All cesarean sections were performed by residents while myomectomies were conducted by the senior staff. Intraoperative and postoperative complications such as blood loss were estimated and compared with 94 women with uterine myomas who underwent surgical delivery without removal of the fibroids. Furthermore, the length of hospitalization was compared between the two groups. Myomectomy added a mean time of 15 min to the operative time of cesarean section. No hysterectomy was performed at the time of the cesarean section. No complications were developed during the puerperium. The difference between the preoperative and postoperative hemoglobin mean value was statistically significant (P=0.001) but did not differ between isolated cesarean and myomectomy-combined cesarean groups. None of the patients received blood transfusion. The length of hospitalization was comparable between the two groups. Despite controversial literature data, we suggest that myomectomy during cesarean section could be generally recommended. Depending on size and location of myomas, the associated risks are similar to those of isolated cesarean section.

Successful myomectomy during pregnancy: a case report

BACKGROUND

The medical literature has reported an increase in myomectomy during caesarean section in the past decade. However, myomectomy performed during pregnancy remains a rarity. The management of uterine fibroids during pregnancy is usually expectant and surgical removal is generally delayed until after delivery. We present a case of a large, symptomatic uterine fibroid diagnosed during pregnancy which was successfully managed by antepartum myomectomy.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 30 year old woman presented with a one year history of abdominal swelling, amenorrhea and severe epigastric discomfort of 19 weeks duration. The abdomen was grossly distended and tense. A sonographic diagnosis of ovarian tumor in pregnancy was made. Laparotomy revealed a 32 cm degenerating subserosal uterine fibroid co-existing with an intrauterine pregnancy. Myomectomy was successfully performed. The subsequent antenatal period was uneventful with a spontaneous vaginal delivery of a female baby at 38 weeks.

CONCLUSION

This report supports other studies and case series that have demonstrated the safety of myomectomy during pregnancy in selected circumstances.

Myomectomy during cesarean section

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the outcome of myomectomy during cesarean section and to compare it with a control group.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using a retrospective case-control design; 40 patients who underwent myomectomy at time of cesarean delivery were compared with the control group consisted of 80 patients with myomas who underwent cesarean delivery alone.

RESULTS

The mean size of fibroids removed was 8.1+/-4.7 cm (range, 3-25 cm). In control group it was 5.7+/-2.7 cm (range, 2-14 cm). The incidence of hemorrhage in the study group was 12.5% as compared with 11.3% in the control group (p>0.05). There was also no significant differences in the incidence of postoperative fewer and frequency of blood transfusion between myomectomy and control groups (p>0.05).

CONCLUSION

Myomectomy during cesarean section is not always a hazardous procedure and it can be performed without significant complications by experienced obstetricians.

Fibroids in Pregnancy???Common but Poorly Understood

Uterine fibroids are the most common benign tumors in women, occurring in approximately 20% to 30% of women of reproductive age. They are therefore common in pregnancy. The true incidence of fibroids during pregnancy is, however, unknown, but reported rates vary from as low as 0.1% of all pregnancies to higher rates of 12.5%. It seems that pregnancy has little or no effect on the overall size of fibroids despite the occurrence of red degeneration in early pregnancy. Fibroids, however, affect pregnancy and delivery in several ways, with abdominal pain, miscarriage, malpresentation, and difficult delivery being the most frequent complications. The size, location, and number of fibroids and their relation to the placenta are critical factors. Ultrasound scanning plays a central role in diagnosing and monitoring fibroids during pregnancy and in determining the relative position of the fibroids to the placenta. It is equally useful for detecting heterogeneous echo patterns associated with the appearance of pain in pregnancy. Color flow Doppler scanning differentiates fibroids from myometrial thickening, which may be mistaken for fibroids. Few treatment options are available during pregnancy, but in carefully selected patients, myomectomy has been performed successfully without jeopardizing pregnancy outcome. A successful pregnancy and delivery is common with appropriate surveillance and supportive management.

TARGET AUDIENCE

Obstetricians & Gynecologists, Family Physicians

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

After completion of this article, the reader should be able to summarize the influence of pregnancy on fibroids, to explain the influence of fibroids on pregnancy, and to outline the management of fibroids during pregnancy.

Myomectomy at time of cesarean delivery: a retrospective cohort study

Background

Myomectomy at time of cesarean delivery is traditionally discouraged because of the risk of hemorrhage. A retrospective cohort study was performed to determine whether myomectomy at time of cesarean delivery leads to an increased incidence of intrapartum and short-term postpartum complications.

Methods

A computer search of medical records from May 1991 to April 2001 identified a total of 111 women who underwent myomectomy at time of cesarean delivery and 257 women with documented fibroids during the index pregnancy who underwent cesarean delivery alone. Charts were reviewed for the following outcome variables: change in hematocrit from preoperative to postoperative period, length of operation, length of postpartum stay, incidence of postpartum fever, and incidence of hemorrhage. Hemorrhage was defined as a change in hematocrit of 10 points or the need for intraoperative blood transfusion.

Results

The incidence of hemorrhage in the study group was 12.6% as compared with 12.8% in the control group (p = 0.95). There was also no statistically significant increase in the incidence of postpartum fever, operating time, and length of postpartum stay. No patient in either group required hysterectomy or embolization. Size of fibroid did not appear to affect the incidence of hemorrhage. After stratifying the procedures by type of fibroid removed, intramural myomectomy was found to be associated with a 21.2% incidence of hemorrhage compared with 12.8% in the control group, but this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.08). This study had 80% power to detect a two-fold increase in the overall incidence of hemorrhage.

Conclusion

In selected patients, myomectomy during cesarean delivery does not appear to result in an increased risk of intrapartum or short-term postpartum morbidity.

Electro-cautery of myomas during caesarean section--two case reports

Myomectomy is a surgical procedure not usually performed during caesarean section because associated with high risk of haemorrhage and other complications. The goal of our study is to evaluate the feasibility of myomectomy during caesarean section, the outcome, and try to establish the favourable conditions to perform a myomectomy during the same surgical event. Electro-cautery of intramural-subserous myomas was performed on two different patients. Only the myomas of little or middle size were treated. Both patients had multiple fibroids, a firm contraindication for myomectomy during caesarean section. After 10 and 13 months since myoma electro-cautery, all uterine fibroids treated were completely reabsorbed. These preliminary results regard the fibroids of middle size. It could be interesting evaluating the electro-cautery on bigger fibroids.