Myomectomy at time of cesarean delivery: a retrospective cohort study

Outcomes of Cesarean Myomectomies Performed at a Tertiary Care Hospital in North India: A Series of 10 Cases

Background Uterine fibroids are common benign tumors in reproductive-aged women, and their prevalence in pregnancy is increasing. While cesarean myomectomy (CM) has traditionally been discouraged due to concerns about intraoperative hemorrhage and maternal morbidity, emerging evidence suggests it can be safely performed in selected cases. This retrospective case series evaluates the clinical outcomes of CM performed at a tertiary care center in North India over two years. Methods A total of 10 pregnant women who underwent CM were included in this study. Data were collected retrospectively from hospital records, including demographic details, indications for CM, fibroid characteristics, intraoperative parameters, and postoperative outcomes. Descriptive statistical analysis was used to summarize the findings. Results The mean maternal age was 34.5 years (range: 27-40 years), and the gestational age at delivery varied from 35 weeks and 4 days to 38 weeks and 6 days. The most common indication for cesarean section was fibroid-related concerns, including lower uterine segment (LUS) fibroids, multiple fibroids, and fibroids in patients with prior cesarean deliveries. Fibroid numbers ranged from one to fifteen per patient, with intramural fibroids (FIGO 4) being the most frequent type. The mean intraoperative blood loss was 620 mL (range: 450-800 mL), with no case of postpartum hemorrhage. The mean operative time was 74 minutes, and two patients required blood transfusions. No patients required intensive care, and the average hospital stay was 3.6 days. Neonatal outcomes were favorable, with a mean birth weight of 2.92 kg and reassuring APGAR scores. Three neonates required NICU admission for transient tachypnea, small for gestational age, and meconium aspiration syndrome. Conclusion CM, when performed in appropriately selected cases, is a feasible and safe procedure. It eliminates the need for a second surgery, reduces future fibroid-related complications, and does not significantly increase maternal morbidity. These findings support the growing consideration of CM as a viable surgical option in select cases. Further prospective studies are needed to establish standardized protocols for patient selection and surgical technique.

Caesarean myomectomy in pregnant women with uterine fibroids

RATIONALE

Postpartum haemorrhage, defined as a blood loss of 500 mL or more within 24 hours of birth, is the leading global cause of maternal morbidity and mortality. Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in or around the uterus, and affect an increasing number of women. Caesarean myomectomy is the surgical removal of fibroids during a caesarean section. Traditionally, obstetricians have avoided this procedure given the risk of uncontrollable haemorrhage. There is also the risk of longer operating time and more days in the hospital. However, there could be potential benefits in removing uterine fibroids for improved fertility, and caesarean section may provide an effective and efficient opportunity to perform this procedure. Given the link between removal of uterine fibroids and postpartum haemorrhage, it is prudent to evaluate current literature and assess the benefits and harms of caesarean myomectomy in pregnant women with uterine fibroids.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the benefits and harms of caesarean myomectomy in pregnant women with uterine fibroids undergoing caesarean section.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, Global Index Medicus, ICTRP portal, and ClinicalTrials.gov; performed supplementary searches of references and citations; and contacted study authors on 2 February 2024.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

We included published randomised and quasi-randomised controlled trials, and observational controlled studies that assessed the impact of myomectomy on maternal health outcomes in pregnant women with fibroids undergoing caesarean birth. We excluded qualitative studies, case reports or series, conference abstracts, opinion papers, letters, and book chapters. There were no restrictions on ethnicity, race, socioeconomic status, education level, or place of residence.

OUTCOMES

Critical outcomes were requirement for blood transfusion, risk of haemorrhage, change in haemoglobin, length of hospitalisation, length of operation, major surgery at time of procedure, fertility outcome, and postpartum fever.

RISK OF BIAS

We assessed risk of bias for non-randomised controlled studies using the Risk Of Bias In Non-randomised Studies of Interventions (ROBINS-I) tool.

SYNTHESIS METHODS

We conducted a meta-analysis for each outcome when more than one study provided data. If it was not possible to analyse data via meta-analysis, we synthesised results narratively using Synthesis Without Meta-analysis (SWiM) guidance. We used GRADE to assess certainty of evidence for each critical and important outcome.

INCLUDED STUDIES

We included 23 non-randomised studies with 7504 women. Most studies were conducted in high-income or upper-middle-income countries. Five studies enrolled women with singleton pregnancies and one study was restricted to women with a twin pregnancy. Most studies did not report whether the caesarean section was elective or emergent. Thirteen studies diagnosed fibroids prior to operation.

SYNTHESIS OF RESULTS

Blood transfusion The evidence is very uncertain about whether caesarean myomectomy affects the risk of requiring blood transfusion compared to caesarean section alone (risk ratio (RR) 1.34, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01 to 1.79; I2 = 33%; 18 non-randomised studies, 6897 women; very low-certainty evidence). Haemorrhage The evidence is very uncertain about the effect of caesarean myomectomy on the risk of haemorrhage (RR 1.12, 95% CI 0.84 to 1.50; I2 = 0%; 9 non-randomised studies, 1729 women; very low-certainty evidence). Change in haemoglobin Sixteen studies reported change in postpartum haemoglobin. Meta-analysis was not possible due to statistical heterogeneity, and the evidence for this outcome was very low certainty. Length of hospitalisation The evidence is very uncertain about the effect of caesarean myomectomy on length of hospitalisation (mean difference (MD) 0.30 days, 95% CI 0.10 to 0.51; I2 = 93%; 15 non-randomised studies, 2955 women; very low-certainty evidence). The significant heterogeneity was explained by two outlying studies; once we removed these studies, the effect size remained consistent but heterogeneity reduced (MD 0.24 days, 95% CI 0.15 to 0.33; I2 = 40%; 2760 women). Length of operation The evidence is very uncertain about the effect of caesarean myomectomy on length of operation (MD 11.17 minutes, 95% CI 8.78 to 13.56; I2 = 91%; 19 non-randomised studies, 4289 women; very low-certainty evidence). Major surgery at time of procedure The evidence is very uncertain about the effect of caesarean myomectomy on risk of major surgery at the time of procedure (RR 1.94, 95% CI 0.67 to 5.63; I2 = 0%; 5 non-randomised studies, 1165 women; very low-certainty evidence). Four of the studies followed the pooled direction of effect. Fertility outcome No studies reported data on future fertility outcomes. Postpartum fever The evidence is very uncertain about the effect of caesarean myomectomy on risk of postpartum fever (RR 1.13, 95% CI 0.88 to 1.44; I2 = 0%; 13 non-randomised studies, 2735 women; very low-certainty evidence). It was possible to assess the certainty of evidence for seven of the eight priority outcomes using GRADE; the evidence for all outcomes was very low certainty.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

The available evidence for all critical outcomes is very low certainty. As such, it is not possible to draw conclusions about the effects of caesarean myomectomy on the risk of requiring blood transfusion, risk of haemorrhage, length of hospitalisation, length of operation, risk of major surgery at time of procedure, and risk of postpartum fever. Data retrieved on mean change in haemoglobin were too heterogenous to be pooled. There were no data on fertility outcomes.

FUNDING

This Cochrane review had no dedicated funding.

REGISTRATION

The review was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42024554215) and available from: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42024554215.

Prognostic and reproductive outcomes in women who had uterine myomas removed during cesarean section and sutured using different techniques

BACKGROUND

In this study, the prognostic and reproductive outcomes of women who underwent excision of uterine myomas and were sutured using different techniques while undergoing a cesarean section were investigated.

METHODS

A total of 299 females who underwent cesarean section between January 2015 and June 2022 due to a scarred uterus were enrolled in this study. These participants were segregated into two categories: the experimental group (comprising 155 cases) in which uterine myoma (single lesion) was excised during the cesarean procedure, and the control group (consisting of 144 cases) in which only the cesarean section was conducted. A comparison between the two groups was carried out based on the following parameters: volume of intraoperative bleeding (mL), additional measures taken for intraoperative hemostasis (n, %), percentage (%) of patients experiencing postoperative fever, duration required for the passage of gas (hours [h]), length of hospital stay (days [d]), weight of newborns (kg) and their Apgar scores, and the reproductive outcomes of the experimental group assessed two years after the surgical procedure.

RESULTS

In the experimental group, the amount of bleeding during surgery, occurrence of postoperative fever among women, time taken for patients to resume passing gas, and length of hospital stay were 540.65 ± 269.12 mL, 9.03%, 15.99 ± 4.68 h, and 5.08 ± 1.18 days, respectively. In contrast, the control group had values of 409.03 ± 93.24 mL, 2.77%, 16.24 ± 4.92, and 4.47 ± 0.70 days, respectively (P < 0.05). No notable increase was observed in the need for additional intraoperative hemostasis measures, and there was no significant difference in the time it took for patients to pass gas after the surgery. All newborns had positive health status. In the experimental group, 25 patients underwent subsequent pregnancies, and 15 of them successfully reached full-term deliveries, all of which had positive outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Combining myomectomy with various suture methods during cesarean delivery did not cause excessive bleeding and resulted in healthy newborns. This approach offers the advantage of avoiding additional surgeries under anesthesia and can be considered a viable option. Subsequent pregnancies after myomectomy were considered high-risk.

Outcomes of cesarean myomectomy via trans-endometrial approach in women with single intramural fibroid in the posterior uterine wall

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of cesarean myomectomy (CM) via trans-endometrial approach in pregnant women with single intramural fibroid in the posterior uterine wall.

METHODS

Ninety-eight patients with single intramural fibroids in the posterior uterine wall who underwent CM were divided into two groups depending on surgical style. The study group consisted of 50 patients who underwent trans-endometrial myomectomy (EM), whereas the control group included 48 patients who had trans-serosal myomectomy (SM). Patients' demographic data, intraoperative and postoperative outcomes were analyzed retrospectively.

RESULTS

No significant differences were found in the baseline characteristics of the two groups, including demographic data, size, location of fibroids, comorbidities, and indications for cesarean section. During the perioperative period, we did not observe significant differences between the two groups in terms of intraoperative hemorrhage, blood transfusion rate, postoperative fever incidence and postoperative hospitalization (all p > .05). It's worth noting that the time of operation and postoperative ventilation in the EM group was shorter than that in the SM group (p < .05). More importantly, estimated blood loss and postoperative hemoglobin decline were less in the EM group than in the SM group (p < .05).

CONCLUSION

EM seems to be a viable approach to CM for the treatment of single intramural fibroids in the posterior wall, with the potential advantages of short operative time, low intraoperative bleeding, and low risk of pelvic adhesions.

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.

Comparison of transendometrial myomectomy versus conventional myomectomy in cesarean section

OBJECTIVE

To compare the surgical results of transendometrial myomectomy (TEM) and conventional myomectomy (CM) procedures for fibroid in cesarean section.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This retrospective study was conducted with computer-based medical records of patients who underwent myomectomy during cesarean section between January 2013 and March 2019. During the study period, 41 patients underwent transendometrial myomectomy, and 52 patients with had conventional myomectomy. In all patients included in the study, myoma was single, intramural, and localized in the anterior of the uterus.

RESULTS

The total duration of surgery was shorter in the TEM group than in the CM group (50,5 ± 10 min vs 63,6 ± 15,2, p = 0,001). There was no difference in terms of length of hospital stay, procedure-related hemoglobin difference, blood transfusion requirement and postoperative fever (respectively, p = 0,65, p = 0,81, p = 0,33 and p = 0,9). Patients who underwent TEM (0.58 ± 0.61) had significantly lower adhesion scores in their subsequent pregnancy compared to patients who underwent CM (1,76 ± 1,1) (p = 0,001).

CONCLUSION

Transendometrial myomectomy technique seems to be more advantageous in selected patients compared to the conventional technique due to the shorter operation time.

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.

Feasibility and safety of performing cesarean myomectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

To examine the feasibility and safety of performing cesarean myomectomy on pregnant women with myomas compared to cesarean section only.

METHODS

We retrieved English articles in the PubMed, Cochrane Library, Medline and EMBASE databases from inception to April 2020. Observational studies including the comparison of patients who underwent cesarean myomectomy and cesarean section, as well as those reporting perioperative outcomes were selected. Data extraction was conducted using RevMan 5.3.

RESULTS

Twenty-three studies comprising 8,016 women were included in the meta-analysis. Of these, 3,955 underwent cesarean myomectomy, while 4,061 underwent cesarean section only. Cesarean myomectomies were associated with a greater decline in mean hemoglobin (mean difference [MD] 0.20 g/dL, 95% confidence intervals [CI] 0.06, 0.35, p = .007), greater incidence of hemorrhage (odds ratio [OR] 1.46, 95% CI 1.06, 2.01, p = .02), greater volume of blood loss (MD 45.54 ml, 95% CI 2.68, 88.41, p = .04), higher transfusion rate (OR 1.47 95%CI 1.09, 1.99, p = .01), longer operation duration (MD 10.40 min, 95% CI 8.54, 12.25, p < .001), or longer postoperative hospitalization (MD 0.18 d, 95% CI 0.12, 0.24, p < .001), compared to those who underwent cesarean section only. There was no statistical difference in postoperative fever rates (OR 1.12, 95% CI 0.77, 1.62).

CONCLUSION

Hemorrhage represents a risk factor which should not be overlooked by surgeons performing cesarean myomectomy. Intramural myomas, myomas ≥7 cm in size, and multiple myomas are associated with more intraoperative hemorrhage and prolonged operation duration. We suggest that, with appropriate hemostatic techniques and when performed by experienced surgeons, cesarean myomectomy may be safe and feasible in selected patients with myomas, regardless of size and locations, except if they are located at the cornual or close to large vessels, and in the absence of uterine atony during surgery.

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.

The incidence of and risk factors for complications when removing a single uterine fibroid during cesarean section: a retrospective study with use of two comparison groups

Purpose: To determine the incidence of and risk factors for perioperative complications in women with a single uterine fibroid, who had a cesarean myomectomy (CM).Methods: This was a retrospective study of women who had a CM between 2015-2016. They were compared versus women who had a cesarean section (CS) alone and nonpregnant women who had a laparotomic myomectomy (LM).Results: We identified 44 CM women, 51 CS patients, and 44 LM women. Those with a CM in most cases had subserosal at the anterior uterine wall and near the lower uterine segment (LUS), as most frequent fibroids; moreover, they had, on average, 18 min longer surgery duration versus CS alone. CM did not affect the Apgar scores and the incidence of minor and major complications was 36.4% and 29.5%, with the most frequent being postoperative anemia (36.4%) and intraoperative hemorrhage (29.5%). No significant differences were reported on both minor and major complications in the three groups. The following variables were found to be significant predictors in univariate logistic regression analysis for the occurrence of major complications in women who had a CM: the fibroid size (OR = 1.040, 95%CI: 1.014-1.066, p = .002), and duration of surgery (OR = 1.059, 5%CI:1.012-1.108, p = .013). The fibroid diameter cut-off was 75.0 mm (sensitivity 69.2%; specificity 90.3%), and the surgery duration was 87.5 min (sensitivity 53.8%; specificity 93.5%).Conclusion: CM appears safe, with no additional risks when compared to CS alone and LM in the women of reproductive age.

Perioperative Complications of Cesarean Delivery Myomectomy: A Meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To assess the association of myomectomy during cesarean delivery with intraoperative and perioperative maternal morbidity.

DATA SOURCES

We searched MEDLINE (1966-2017), Scopus (2004-2017), ClinicalTrials.gov (2008-2017), EMBASE (1980-2017), and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials CENTRAL (1999-2017) databases.

METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION

We selected all observational studies that reported outcomes on patients undergoing myomectomy at the time of cesarean delivery. Statistical meta-analysis was performed with RevMan 5.3.

RESULTS

Nineteen studies were included in our systematic review with a total number of 3,900 women. Among them, 2,301 women had myomectomy during cesarean delivery and 1,599 had cesarean delivery only. Women undergoing concomitant myomectomy had a mild decline in hemoglobin compared with those who had cesarean delivery only (mean difference 0.25 mg/dL, 95% CI 0.06-0.45). Myomectomy at the time of cesarean delivery is associated with longer surgical time compared with cesarean delivery alone (mean difference 13.87 minutes, 95% CI 4.78-22.95). Blood transfusion (odds ratio [OR] 1.41, 95% CI 0.96-2.07) and postoperative fever (OR 1.12, 95% CI 0.80-1.56) rates did not differ between the two groups (myomectomy compared with no myomectomy). A statistically, but not clinically, significant increase in postoperative hospitalization was evident in the myomectomy group (mean difference 0.35 days, 95% CI 0.25-0.46).

CONCLUSION

This systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies demonstrated an association with increased operative time and hemoglobin drop in patients who underwent cesarean myomectomy compared with cesarean delivery alone. No increased rate of major hemorrhage or need for transfusion was identified. Cesarean myomectomy may be considered in cases of isolated myomas, although randomized trials are needed.

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.

Comparative Study of Cesarean Myomectomy with Abdominal Myomectomy in Terms of Blood Loss in Single Fibroid

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we evaluate the safety and feasibility of cesarean myomectomy and compare this procedure with abdominal myomectomy in single fibroid, in terms of blood loss and postoperative complications.

METHODS

Thirty-three patients who underwent cesarean myomectomy from June 2006 to 2012 in Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, were included in the study. Almost an equal number of patients who underwent abdominal myomectomy (32) in the same period were included. Women are divided into two groups: group 1-cesarean myomectomy, group 2-abdominal myomectomy.

RESULTS

Mean age of the women was comparable; mean gestational age in group 1 was 37.97 +/- 1.57 weeks; and 60 % were primiparous. Hemoglobin (Hb) drop postoperatively was compared between the groups, and there was no significant difference. Though there was statistically significant difference among the groups regarding the size of fibroids, the main outcome measure of the study, the Hb drop was comparable between group 1 and 2. There is statistically significant difference in the Hb difference with increasing mean diameter of the fibroids. As the size increases, Hb drop also increases indicating the increasing blood loss. The measures used to reduce blood loss such as vasopressin instillation and stepwise devascularization influence the blood loss, and P value shows borderline significance. There was no difference in Hb drop among the groups according to the type of fibroids. But more subserous fibroids were removed in group 1, whereas more intramural fibroids were removed in group 2.

CONCLUSION

Cesarean myomectomy can be safely done in single fibroids and is comparable to abdominal myomectomy in terms of blood loss.

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.

Successful myomectomy in early pregnancy for a large asymptomatic uterine myoma: case report

The decision of myomectomy is not usually taken by OBG specialist for uterine fibroids during pregnancy because of its complications which may become hazardous at times. This is why it is generally delayed until after delivery. The current case was a large, asymptomatic subserous uterine myoma diagnosed during pregnancy by ultrasound and successfully managed by antepartum myomectomy retaining the fetus alive in utero at 13 -14 weeks gestation. At term, the patient had spontaneous vaginal delivery of 3 kg male child. This case demonstrates that myomectomy during pregnancy in special circumstances in selected cases to prevent forthcoming events adversely affecting mother and fetus can be considered.

Myomectomy at the time of cesarean delivery

INTRODUCTION

Myomectomy at the time of cesarean delivery has been traditionally discouraged. Recent literature has challenged this view. We present two cases of large subserosal fibroids that underwent removal without complication at the time of cesarean delivery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We present two patients that underwent myomectomy at the time of cesarean delivery. Case 1 had a 10 cm subserosal leiomyoma removed without complication at the time of a cesarean section for breech presentation. Case two had a fundal myoma removed without incident at the time of primary cesarean delivery for suspected macrosomia.

DISCUSSION

Myomectomy at the time of cesarean section has been traditionally discouraged. Recent studies have questioned this recommendation and demonstrated no significant increase in peri-operative complications when myomectomy is performed at the time cesarean section. Further, there is added benefit in that a future procedure is avoided.

CONCLUSION

Myomectomy at the time of cesarean delivery is both a safe and reasonable procedure.

The utility of caesarean myomectomy as a safe procedure: a retrospective analysis of 21 cases with review of literature

BACKGROUND

Myomectomy at the time of caesarean delivery has been discouraged because of the risk of intractable haemorrhage and increased postoperative morbidity. The aim of this study is to determine the safety and feasibility of caesarean myomectomy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective case control study done between June 2012 to May 2013 in a tertiary care teaching hospital in Karnataka, India which included 21 pregnant women with uterine fibroids who underwent myomectomy during caesarean section and were compared with 42 matched controls without uterine fibroids who had caesarean section alone during the same period. Primary outcome measures studied were incidence of haemorrhage and need for blood transfusion. Secondary outcome measures were duration of operation, length of hospital stay, postpartum fever and wound infection. Statistical analysis is done using IBMSPSS 20.0 software and students t-test. For calculation of incidence of haemorrhage Fisher's exact test is used.

RESULTS

Mean age of the 21 cases was 31.81yrs and 47.62% were primigravida. Total 37 fibroids were removed. Subserosal were 30 cases(81.08%) while 1(2.07%) was submucous. 21(56.76%)fibroids were situated in fundal region and 3(8.11%) were in lower segment. Mean change in the haemoglobin from preoperative to postoperative period in the cases was 1.3gm/dl(±1.155mg/dl) and control was 1.05% (±.854mg/dl). Two of the cases(9.52%) required blood transfusion compared to none in control. None in either group required hysterectomy. Mean duration of surgery was 68.57min (±15.012min)and 51.55min (±9.595min) for controls which is statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

This study shows that myomectomy during caesarean section is a safe procedure and is not associated with major intraoperative and postoperative complications.

Myomectomy during Caesarean Birth in Fibroid-Endemic, Low-Resource Settings

If myomectomy during caesarean delivery becomes a widespread practice, it could potentially eliminate multiple surgeries for both indications. However, many surgeons have been reluctant to adopt this policy without conclusive evidence demonstrating its safety. This study reviews the publications on caesarean myomectomy especially from the African Continent with respect to duration of surgery, blood loss, length of hospital stay, and blood transfusions. Judging from the lack of large studies on caesarean myomectomy, the proportion of surgeons who attempt the procedure is largely low because of concerns about its safety. However, most of the authors suggested that the complications and morbidity following caesarean myomectomy do not significantly differ from those occurring during caesarean section alone, while fertility is apparently not compromised by this treatment. With careful patient selection, adequate experience, and efficient haemostatic measures, the procedure does not appear as hazardous as was once thought. This piece of information is relevant for counseling women who request for the simultaneous removal of previously diagnosed fibroids during caesarean section. Staff and facilities for safe management of haemorrhage are a requisite for the procedure. Large randomized trials are needed to guide decisions as to the best clinical practice regarding myomectomy during caesarean delivery.

Management of incidental adnexal masses on caesarean section

BACKGROUND

The reported incidence of adnexal masses during pregnancy vary from 1 in 81 pregnancies to 1 in 8000 pregnancies. There is still a debate on management of incidental adnexal masses during the caesarean section concerning the risk of this additional procedure on postoperative morbidity and mortality. The aim of our study was to investigate the management of incidental adnexal masses which were observed during caesarean section in a tertiary health care centre.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The medical records of the patients who had incidental adnexal masses during caesarean section at Bakirkoy Dr. Sadi Konuk Teaching and Research Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology from January 2006 to September 2011 were evaluated retrospectively. The data was processed with the SPSS 16.0 statistical software.

RESULTS

The number of total live births was 17341 and 6624 of them were done by caesarean section (31%). There were 38 cases of incidental adnexal masses which were discovered at caesarean section. The most common pathologic diagnosis of the masses were paraovarian-paratubal cysts with the rate of 23.7% (n=9). Cystectomy procedure during caesarean section did not alter the morbidity of the patient.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion for detecting adnexal masses during pregnancy follow-up of growth rate of adnexal mass will be a useful reference during the observation period if ideally all pregnant women have a first-trimester ultrasound examination with regular adnexa check-up.

Caesarean Myomectomy: Feasibility and safety

OBJECTIVES

Caesarean myomectomy has traditionally been discouraged due to fears of intractable haemorrhage and increased postoperative morbidity. However, a number of authors have recently shown that myomectomy during Caesarean section does not increase the risk of haemorrhage or postoperative morbidity.

METHODS

We present a series of 8 cases from Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Oman, where myomectomy was performed during Caesarean section for large lower segment fibroids. Seven were anterior lower segment fibroids, while one was a posterior lower uterine fibroid which interfered with closure of the uterine incision. The antenatal course, perioperative management, and postoperative morbidity are discussed.

RESULTS

The average age of the women was 28.7 years and mean gestational age at delivery was 36.75 weeks. Regarding intra-operative blood loss, 1 patient lost 900 ml, 5 patients lost 1-1.5 litres, 2 lost 1.5-2 L, and 1 patient with a 10 x 12 cm fibroid lost 3.2 L. Despite the majority being large myomas (7 of the 8 patients had myomas >5 cm in size) and 50% being intramural, no hysterectomy was required. Stepwise devascularisation was necessary in one case and preoperative placement of uterine balloon catheters was necessary in another. The size of the fibroids was confirmed by histopathology. Myomectomy added 15 minutes to the operating time and 1 day to the hospital stay, but there was no significant postoperative morbidity. Neonatal outcome was good in all patients.

CONCLUSION

In selected patients, myomectomy during Caesarean section is a safe and effective procedure at tertiary centres with experienced surgeons.

Cervical leiomyomas in pregnancy: report of 17 cases

AIM

To analyse the management strategies and delivery outcomes of women with cervical leiomyomas in pregnancy.

METHODS

We retrospectively analysed the pregnancy outcomes of 17 women with cervical leiomyomas. The outcome measures assessed included the volume of blood loss at delivery, need for blood transfusion, intra- and post-operative complications and length of hospital stay.

RESULTS

The mean diameter of the leiomyomas was 10.4 ± 7.2 cm, with a range of 3-30 cm. The mean blood loss was 697 ± 394 mL (range of 350-4200 mL). Six women (35.3%) required a blood transfusion. The mean duration of stay in hospital after delivery was 7.9 ± 3.9 days (range 4-20 days). There were three cases of severe haemorrhage or infection post-operation necessitating hysterectomy, and all of the leiomyomas in these cases were more than 20 cm in diameter. There was a positive correlation between the blood loss volume and the size of leiomyomas (correlation coefficient 0.638, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

The dimensions of cervical leiomyomas influences post-partum blood loss. Large cervical leiomyomas appear associated with adverse outcomes. When the leiomyomas are relatively small, an experienced practitioner could consider myomectomy during a caesarean delivery.

[Uterine necrosis after arterial embolization for postpartum hemorrhage]

Radiologic embolization of the uterine arteries is increasingly used to treat severe postpartum hemorrhage, as an alternative to surgical procedures. Guidelines have been published in order to standardize the indications as well as the technique. An important objective was to limit severe complications such as uterine necrosis. We report a case of a uterine necrosis after arterial embolization for severe postpartum hemorrhage due to uterine atony on a uterus with fibroids. This complication occurred despite the use of the recommended technique.

Uterine myomas: management

OBJECTIVE

To review the currently available literature regarding the current management alternatives available to women with uterine myomas.

DESIGN

Literature review of 198 articles pertaining to uterine myomas.

RESULT(S)

Many advances have been made in the management of uterine myomas. Watchful waiting; medical therapy; hysteroscopic myomectomy; endometrial ablation; laparoscopic myomectomy; abdominal myomectomy; abdominal, vaginal, and laparoscopic hysterectomy; uterine artery embolization; uterine artery occlusion; and focused ultrasound are now available.

CONCLUSION(S)

Many options are now available to women with uterine myomas. The presently available literature regarding the treatment of myomas is summarized.

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.