Can myomectomy be performed during pregnancy?

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness, safety, complications and outcome of pregnancy after myomectomy performed during pregnancy. Material and Methods: Five pregnant women with myomas requiring operation because of severe abdominal pain were included in the series at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Selçuk University Faculty of Medicine between October 1, 1996 and February 24, 2001. The patients were controlled with ultrasonography and cardiotocography every month up to 32 gestational weeks and then every 2 weeks. Cesarean section was performed on all patients at 37-40 weeks. Complications and fetoneonatal outcome were recorded. Results: The mean age of the patients was 31.4 ± 3.5 years. The mean parity was 1.4 ± 1.6. The median gestational age at the time of myomectomy was 17.8 ± 3.4 weeks. The mean size of the myomas was 14.0 ± 3.8 cm. The main symptom of all patients was severe abdominal pain in spite of analgesic medication. The mean duration of the operation was 40.0 ± 7.9 min. The mean blood loss was 280.0 ± 83.6 ml. The mean number of myomas removed was 2.8 ± 1.3. Conclusion: Myomectomy during pregnancy can be performed if necessary. Copyright © 2002 S. Karger AG, Basel.