Quick Answer: Myomectomy is a uterus-preserving surgical procedure that removes uterine fibroids while retaining the uterus. It is commonly considered when future pregnancy or uterine preservation is important. Recovery varies considerably by surgical approach and individual circumstances. Hysteroscopic myomectomy generally allows a quicker return to normal activities than abdominal myomectomy, while laparoscopic and robotic approaches typically have shorter recovery periods than open surgery. Whether myomectomy is appropriate depends on fibroid size, number, location, symptoms, uterine anatomy and the patient's reproductive goals.
What Is Myomectomy?
Myomectomy is surgery to remove uterine fibroids (also called leiomyomas) while retaining the uterus. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) , myomectomy is recommended as a surgical option for symptomatic fibroids in women who wish to keep their uterus, particularly those considering pregnancy. ACOG supports considering a minimally invasive approach when it is appropriate for the patient and procedure.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recognises myomectomy as one of the established treatment options for uterine fibroids, alongside hysterectomy and uterine artery embolisation (UAE). Treatment selection depends on fibroid size, number, location and symptom severity.
Types of Myomectomy Surgery
Approach | How It Works | Typical Recovery Pattern |
|---|---|---|
Hysteroscopic Myomectomy | Removes submucosal fibroids through the cervix; no abdominal incisions | Usually the quickest recovery |
Laparoscopic Myomectomy | Small abdominal incisions with camera and instruments | Generally shorter recovery than open surgery |
Robotic-Assisted Myomectomy | Laparoscopic approach with robotic assistance | Generally similar to minimally invasive laparoscopic recovery |
Abdominal (Open) Myomectomy | One larger abdominal incision; direct access to uterus | Usually the longest recovery |
The right approach depends on the size, number and location of fibroids, uterine anatomy and the surgeon's assessment. For detailed information on surgical options, please see Myomectomy Surgery in Delhi .
Recovery After Myomectomy: What to Expect
Recovery timelines vary based on the surgical approach and individual factors. Hysteroscopic myomectomy generally allows a quicker return to normal activities than abdominal myomectomy, while laparoscopic and robotic approaches typically have shorter recovery periods than open surgery. A 2026 study of laparoscopic intracapsular myomectomy reported a 30–50-day healing period in its specific patient cohort, with no uterine rupture observed among patients who later became pregnant.
General recovery guidance:
First few days: Rest, light walking, avoid heavy lifting
Early recovery: Gradual return to light activities for minimally invasive approaches
Longer recovery: Open abdominal surgery typically requires a longer period before returning to full activity
Return to work: Varies by procedure and occupation; discuss with your surgeon
Exercise: Typically resumed gradually after your surgeon confirms healing
Your surgeon will provide procedure-specific guidance based on your individual circumstances.
Fertility After Myomectomy
One of the main reasons patients choose myomectomy is to preserve fertility. ACOG notes that myomectomy is particularly relevant for women who wish to keep their uterus and who may be contemplating pregnancy.
Key fertility considerations:
Myomectomy preserves the uterus, so pregnancy may be possible after surgery.
Removing fibroids that distort the uterine cavity may improve fertility for some patients.
The waiting period before attempting pregnancy varies based on the type and extent of surgery and should be discussed with your surgeon.
Research has not established one minimum waiting period that applies to everyone.
Myomectomy vs Uterine Fibroid Embolisation (UFE) and fertility:
A 2026 multicentre study comparing UFE and myomectomy found that pregnancy rates were similar between the two treatments (18.6% vs 21.5%), although there was a trend toward delayed pregnancy after UFE. For women actively planning pregnancy, treatment choice should therefore be discussed with a gynaecologist and, where appropriate, an interventional radiologist based on fibroid characteristics, reproductive goals and the available evidence.
For more information on non-surgical treatment, please see Uterine Fibroid Treatment in Delhi .
Fibroid Recurrence After Myomectomy
New fibroids can develop after myomectomy because the uterus remains in place. The likelihood varies according to factors such as age, fibroid characteristics and follow-up duration. Patients should be informed about the possibility of recurrence when considering myomectomy.
How to Choose the Right Fibroid Specialist in Delhi
Selecting the right specialist is essential for surgical outcomes and fertility preservation. Depending on the treatment being considered, the appropriate specialist may be a gynaecological surgeon, an interventional radiologist, or a multidisciplinary team involving both.
Factors to consider:
Experience with uterine-preserving surgery – Ask about the surgeon's experience with myomectomy specifically.
Minimally invasive expertise – ACOG supports considering a minimally invasive approach when appropriate for the patient and procedure.
Multidisciplinary care – Complex cases may benefit from collaboration between gynaecologists and interventional radiologists.
Imaging and treatment planning – Ultrasound and, where needed, MRI help assess fibroid characteristics before treatment.
Fertility counselling – Discuss how the procedure may affect future fertility and pregnancy planning.
For patients in Delhi, Dr. Pradeep Muley , Senior Consultant Interventional Radiologist, participates in multidisciplinary fibroid treatment planning and evaluates whether uterine artery embolisation (UAE) may be appropriate for selected patients. His qualifications include fellowship training at Singapore General Hospital and visiting fellowships at Johns Hopkins and Iowa University Hospitals.
At Indian Interventional Radiology , the approach includes multidisciplinary evaluation with gynaecologists and surgeons, minimally invasive techniques where clinically appropriate, and treatment options reviewed according to the patient's symptoms, reproductive goals and fibroid characteristics.
Hysterectomy vs Myomectomy: A Quick Comparison
Factor | Myomectomy | Hysterectomy |
|---|---|---|
Uterus | Preserved | Removed |
Fertility | May be preserved | Not possible after surgery |
Fibroid recurrence | Possible | Fibroids cannot recur in removed uterus |
Best suited for | Women wishing to preserve uterus/fertility | Women who have completed childbearing |
For a detailed comparison, see Hysterectomy Treatment in Delhi .
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is myomectomy surgery?
Myomectomy is a surgical procedure that removes uterine fibroids while retaining the uterus. It is commonly considered when future pregnancy or uterine preservation is important.
2. How long does recovery take after myomectomy?
Recovery depends on the approach and individual circumstances. Hysteroscopic myomectomy generally allows a quicker return to normal activities than abdominal myomectomy, while laparoscopic and robotic approaches typically have shorter recovery periods than open surgery. Your surgeon will provide procedure-specific guidance.
3. Can I get pregnant after myomectomy?
Pregnancy may be possible because the uterus is preserved. Fertility outcomes depend on the fibroids, the type and extent of surgery and other reproductive factors. Your doctor will advise when it is appropriate to try to conceive.
4. Can fibroids return after myomectomy?
Yes. New fibroids can develop because the uterus remains in place. The likelihood varies by age, fibroid characteristics and follow-up duration.
5. What is the difference between myomectomy and hysterectomy?
Myomectomy removes only the fibroids and preserves the uterus. Hysterectomy removes the uterus entirely, ending the possibility of pregnancy.
6. Is myomectomy better than UFE for fertility?
Both treatments can preserve the uterus, but their effects on fertility and pregnancy planning differ and should be discussed with the appropriate specialist. A 2026 study found similar pregnancy rates between the two, though there was a trend toward delayed pregnancy after UFE.
7. How do I choose the best myomectomy doctor in Delhi?
Look for experience with uterine-preserving surgery, minimally invasive expertise, multidisciplinary care and fertility counselling. Discuss your reproductive goals openly with your specialist.
8. What tests are done before myomectomy?
Pelvic ultrasound helps assess fibroid size, number and location. MRI may be recommended when more detailed information is needed for treatment planning.
9. Does myomectomy affect future pregnancy?
Myomectomy preserves the uterus, but the effect on fertility and pregnancy depends on fibroid location, uterine reconstruction and individual circumstances. Your surgeon will provide personalised guidance.
10. How does Dr. Pradeep Muley approach fibroid treatment?
Dr. Muley participates in multidisciplinary evaluation and assesses whether uterine artery embolisation (UAE) may be appropriate for selected patients. Treatment options are reviewed according to symptoms, reproductive goals and fibroid characteristics.
Need Help Choosing the Right Fibroid Treatment in Delhi?
If you are considering myomectomy for fibroids, a personalised evaluation is essential. The right treatment depends on your symptoms, fertility goals, fibroid characteristics and overall health.
Discuss your fibroid diagnosis and treatment options, including whether a minimally invasive treatment such as UAE may be appropriate, with Dr. Pradeep Muley.
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