Fibroids that cause very heavy periods, pain or difficulty getting pregnant may need surgery. A myomectomy removes one or more fibroids and keeps the uterus. Dr Najib Boudra, obstetrician gynecologist with over 30 years of experience, performs this operation in Fès and will explain at a consultation whether it is right for you.
What is a myomectomy?
A fibroid, also called a myoma, is a benign growth, meaning it is not cancer, made of muscle tissue. It grows in the wall of the uterus, inside its cavity or on its surface. To understand the symptoms and tests, read our article Uterine fibroids: symptoms, tests and treatment.
A myomectomy removes the fibroids and leaves the uterus in place. This is what sets it apart from a hysterectomy, which removes the uterus. It is usually offered to women who wish to become pregnant or who want to keep their uterus.
When is surgery suggested?
A fibroid found by chance that causes no trouble often only needs monitoring. Surgery is discussed when the fibroid:
- causes heavy or long periods, sometimes with anaemia;
- causes pain or a feeling of heaviness in the lower abdomen;
- presses on the bladder or bowel;
- changes the shape of the uterine cavity and may affect a pregnancy or IVF;
- grows from one scan to the next.
The decision takes into account your age, your symptoms, the number, size and position of the fibroids, and your plans for a pregnancy. The doctor also explains the other medical or surgical options when they exist.
The different surgical approaches
Dr Boudra performs all the approaches used in gynecological surgery: hysteroscopy, laparoscopy, vaginal surgery and laparotomy. For a myomectomy, the choice depends mainly on the number, position and size of the fibroids.
Hysteroscopy
For a fibroid inside the uterine cavity, a thin camera is passed through the vagina and cervix, with no scar on the abdomen, and the fibroid is removed from the inside. Read our article on hysteroscopy to learn more.
Laparoscopy
The surgeon operates through a few small cuts on the abdomen, with a camera and fine instruments. This approach suits some fibroids in the wall or on the surface of the uterus. Our article on laparoscopy in gynecology explains how it works.
Laparotomy
A laparotomy is a cut in the lower abdomen. Dr Boudra uses it for a uterus with many fibroids, as it allows them to be removed and the uterine wall to be carefully repaired. In other situations, the approach is decided with you according to your case.
An operation started by laparoscopy sometimes ends as a laparotomy. This change is a safety decision made during surgery.
Before the operation
The decision is made at a consultation at the practice, after a gynecological examination and an ultrasound scan that locates and measures the fibroids. Other tests may be needed: an MRI to map many fibroids, a blood test to check for anaemia. Treatment is sometimes given before surgery, for example to correct anaemia.
You will see an anaesthetist before the operation. Dr Boudra operates at Clinique Mimosa and Clinique Atlas in Fès. Laparoscopy and laparotomy are done under general anaesthesia; for hysteroscopy, the type of anaesthesia is chosen case by case.
After the operation and recovery
The hospital stay is usually 48 to 72 hours. Pain is managed with suitable medicines, and you will be helped to get up quickly to lower the risk of blood clots.
At home, feeling tired for a few days is normal. Most women return to work after 3 to 4 weeks, depending on their job and how they recover. A follow-up consultation is planned at the practice after the operation.
Like any surgery, a myomectomy carries risks, such as bleeding, infection or adhesions. They are explained to you at the consultation according to your situation. Call the practice if you have a fever, pain that gets worse or heavy bleeding.
Myomectomy and pregnancy
Keeping the uterus means a pregnancy can be considered after the operation. It is usually advised to wait 3 months before trying to conceive, so that the uterus can heal. The way you give birth is then discussed case by case, sometimes by caesarean section, depending on the extent of the scar on the uterus.
New fibroids may appear over the years, so regular gynecological follow-up remains useful. If you are on a fertility journey, Dr Boudra coordinates the surgery and the next steps, with the fertility assessment and, if needed, IVF at the centre.
Why choose Boudra Fertility Center
- The same doctor follows you from the consultation to the operation and the check-up.
- Gynecology, surgery and fertility care are in one place, which matters when a pregnancy is planned.
- Operations take place at Clinique Mimosa or Clinique Atlas in Fès.
See all our gynecological surgery in Fès or our gynecology consultation page.
Frequently asked questions
Does a myomectomy remove the uterus?
No. A myomectomy only removes the fibroids and keeps the uterus. The operation that removes the uterus is called a hysterectomy.
How long is the hospital stay?
The hospital stay is usually 48 to 72 hours. Dr Boudra will tell you the expected length at the consultation.
When can I go back to work?
Most women return to work after 3 to 4 weeks, depending on their job and their recovery.
Can I have a baby after a myomectomy?
Yes, keeping the uterus means a pregnancy can be considered. It is usually advised to wait 3 months before trying to conceive. The way you give birth is then discussed case by case.
Where does the operation take place?
Dr Boudra operates at Clinique Mimosa and Clinique Atlas in Fès. Consultations before and after surgery take place at the practice.
Can fibroids come back after surgery?
Removed fibroids do not grow back, but new fibroids may appear over the years. Regular gynecological follow-up helps to find them.
Do all fibroids need surgery?
No. A fibroid that causes no symptoms and does not affect plans for a pregnancy can simply be monitored by ultrasound.
Book an appointment
Do you have a fibroid and wonder whether you need surgery? Bring your scans and reports: Dr Boudra will review them with you and explain each option.
Call the practice on +212 5 35 93 08 18 (05 35 93 08 18 from Morocco), Monday to Friday from 9 am to 6 pm and on Saturday from 9 am to 1 pm. Consultations are held in French, Arabic and Darija, with some English.
Boudra Fertility Center, 7 Rue Abdelkrim El Khattabi, 30000 Fès, 1st floor, next to Hôtel Splendid, opposite the Red Crescent. To learn more about his background, see the page of Dr Najib Boudra, gynecologist in Fès, or find our practical information.
This page gives general information. It does not replace a consultation.