1Fibroid Center

Myomectomy

Medically reviewed by Yosef Golowa, MD, FSIR, interventional radiologist · Reviewed September 29, 2026

In some cases, having uterine fibroids can interfere with daily activities, causing excessive pelvic pain, uncontrollable menstrual bleeding, constant pelvic

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In some cases, having uterine fibroids can interfere with daily activities, causing excessive pelvic pain, uncontrollable menstrual bleeding, constant pelvic pressure, and other bothersome symptoms. For fibroids that require surgery, most would often default to hysterectomies, but unlike hysterectomies, myomectomies remove the fibroids surgically without removing the uterus or other reproductive organs. Women who undergo myomectomies often report improvement in symptoms. 1Fibroid does not perform myomectomy: we treat fibroids without surgery, with uterine fibroid embolization (UFE), and if surgery is the better option for you, we refer you to a gynecologic surgeon.

fibroids removal surgery

UFE vs. Myomectomies For Fibroids

While both treatments offer their own advantages, it’s important to understand the difference between the two procedures to help patients choose from their options. 1Fibroid performs uterine fibroid embolization and does not perform myomectomy; below we describe how the two procedures differ:

Myomectomy: Myomectomies are performed with a specific goal in mind – to surgically remove the fibroids, leaving behind the uterus and cervix to help alleviate symptoms. Myomectomies are often recommended for those who intend on having children, have fibroids that might be interfering with fertility, and for those who desire to keep their uterus. As with any surgery, there are risks, including excessive blood loss, scar tissue, and potential pregnancy complications. To further mitigate these risks, other treatments may be recommended.

Uterine Fibroid Embolization: Uterine fibroid embolization works by blocking small blood vessels to deprive the fibroids of nutrients. It is a minimally invasive procedure that causes the fibroid to soften and shrink in size. It preserves the uterus and hormonal cycles, but pregnancy outcomes after UFE are less well studied than after myomectomy, and some women need further treatment later.

Myomectomies and UFE treatments both offer similar benefits, but differ on their methods. While myomectomies surgically remove fibroids through traditional methods, uterine fibroid embolization uses X-ray guidance to reach the arteries that feed the fibroids and block them with microparticles. Unlike myomectomy, UFE is a minimally invasive procedure performed through a pinhole in the wrist or groin, with no surgical incision.

Myomectomies for Fibroid Treatment

There are different methods that can be used to surgically remove fibroids, as each method can help address the different types of uterine fibroids and their locations:

Abdominal Myomectomy: In abdominal myomectomy, an abdominal incision is made to access the uterus and remove the fibroids. The surgical cut will normally be made along the bikini line and for larger uteruses, vertical incisions may need to be made.

Laparoscopic Myomectomy: Laparoscopic myomectomy uses incisions along or near the belly button, and a laparoscope (a narrow tube with a camera) is inserted into the abdomen. Then, through other small incisions, the surgeon will surgically remove the fibroids.

Robotic Myomectomy: Robotic myomectomy creates smaller incisions similar to the laparoscopic method, but uses robotic instruments through a separate console to surgically remove the fibroids.

In some cases, the fibroids will be cut into pieces (morcellation), and in other times the fibroids will be removed through bigger incisions, but all of these methods will depend on the size and number of fibroids you may have. When fibroids are cut into pieces, current guidance recommends doing this inside a contained bag, and patients should be counseled about the rare risk of an undetected cancer. Myomectomy is performed by gynecologic surgeons, not at 1Fibroid, but our fibroid specialist can review your imaging and help you decide whether embolization or surgery is the better option.

1Fibroid can help you decide whether uterine fibroid embolization is right for you.

Sources

  1. Management of Symptomatic Uterine Leiomyomas: ACOG Practice Bulletin, Number 228. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists / Obstetrics & Gynecology, 2021.
  2. Uterine Morcellation for Presumed Leiomyomas: ACOG Committee Opinion, Number 822. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists / Obstetrics & Gynecology, 2021.
  3. ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Management of Uterine Fibroids: 2023 Update. American College of Radiology / Journal of the American College of Radiology, 2024.
  4. Uterine-Artery Embolization or Myomectomy for Uterine Fibroids. New England Journal of Medicine, 2020.
  5. Minimally invasive surgical techniques versus open myomectomy for uterine fibroids. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2014.
  6. Uterine artery embolization for symptomatic uterine fibroids. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2014.