Minimally Invasive Laparoscopic Myomectomy for Fibroids

By Thais Aliabadi, M.D. on 11/11/19 (last updated on 12/1/21)

What is a Myomectomy?

Advantages of our Minimally Invasive Outpatient Myomectomy

A Myomectomy is a surgery to remove fibroid tumors (also known as myomas) from your uterus while keeping it intact so that you can get pregnant in the future if you choose to do so.

The surgical removal of uterine fibroids is an option for women who have failed to respond to conservative treatment and suffer from fibroid symptoms including painful intercourse, heavy and prolonged menstrual bleeding, pelvic discomfort, low back pain, urinary frequency or urgency, persistent vaginal discharge, and infertility.

The three types of uterine fibroid removal surgery

Abdominal Myomectomy
An Abdominal Myomectomy is the most commonly performed surgical approach, but unfortunately, it has the longest recovery time. In this traditional approach, an (at least) 7-inch incision is made in the lower abdomen along the bikini line. The surgeon must then cut through several layers of abdominal muscles to gain access to the uterus for fibroid removal. Because this involves so much tissue disruption, it requires 4 to 6 weeks of fairly painful recovery.
Hysteroscopic Myomectomy
A hysteroscopic myomectomy can be performed in select cases where there are a few small, easily accessible fibroids. The surgeon introduces a long lighted telescopic tube into the vagina to gain access to the uterus. Long instruments are then passed through the tube to remove fibroids.
Minimally Invasive Laparoscopic Myomectomy
First developed 25 years ago, the minimally invasive laparoscopic procedure produces the least amount of tissue disruption, making it the safest surgical approach with the fastest and easiest recovery.

When this technique was first introduced, it involved making four or five small abdominal incisions through which a slim fiber-optic camera and endoscopic instruments were placed to allow the surgeon to see inside the pelvis and remove fibroids. In recent years, the minimally invasive procedure has become more refined but, unfortunately, has failed to gain popularity among most practices.

Why isn’t the superior laparoscopic myomectomy more popular?

Minimally invasive laparoscopic myomectomies aren’t commonly performed by OB-GYN surgeons for two reasons:

The minimally invasive technique requires extensive training to learn the nuanced surgical skills needed to perform this surgery well.
Most surgeons don’t have the large volume of laparoscopic cases needed (hundreds per year) to acquire the experience necessary to achieve consistently exceptional outcomes.

Why do many laparoscopies become open abdominal procedures?

Surgeons with limited experience in this procedure feel comfortable performing laparoscopies to remove smaller masses, but often find out after the procedure has begun that the mass is not as easy to remove as they thought from looking at pre-op imaging studies.

When this occurs, they have to resort to converting to an open myomectomy procedure involving a large abdominal incision. That is why virtually all surgical consents for laparoscopic procedures include a clause giving the surgeon permission to convert to an open procedure if she or he feels it is medically necessary.

In recent years, robotic technology has been introduced to this arena but, despite greatly increasing the cost of the surgical procedure (which many insurance companies will not cover) robotic Myomectomy surgery has been met with limited success when its outcomes are compared with those of experienced laparoscopic surgeons.

Fortunately today there are a group of highly skilled gynecology surgeons in the United States who can perform minimally invasive laparoscopic myomectomies, safely removing fibroids of any size through three 5mm wide abdominal incisions with excellent results. This laparoscopic approach is vastly superior to open surgery with regard to patient safety and outcomes and has made the open abdominal approach obsolete.

Benefits of Minimally Invasive Laparoscopic MyomectomyWhy minimally invasive laparoscopic myomectomies are the preferred surgical option

The many advantages of minimally invasive laparoscopy include:

Happy minimally invasive laparoscopic myomectomiy patient

Shorter surgery time, which means less time under general anesthesia, greater patient safety and quicker recovery from anesthesia
Magnified, panoramic visualization of the pelvic organs through the laparoscope improves the surgeon’s precision and thus patient safety
Less blood loss than open surgery
Less post-op pain than open surgery
Lower likelihood of developing adhesions (internal scar tissue that can cause pelvic pain) following surgery
Improved cosmetic appearance due to fewer and much smaller surgical wounds
No overnight hospital stay
Much faster recovery time with a quicker return to normal activities
Extremely low rate of post-op complications requiring hospital re-admissions
Greater patient satisfaction (not only with their post-op appearance but also with the entire surgical and recovery experience)
The procedure is covered by most insurance carriers

A Minimally Invasive Out-Patient Myomectomy makes it possible for our surgeons to safely remove large fibroid tumors of any size (EVEN UP TO THE SIZE OF A WATERMELON!) through just THREE INCISIONS 5mm WIDE.

With this ground-breaking technique, you can go home right after surgery, be up and about the next morning, and fully back to your normal routine in less than one week!

By doing surgery through such small incisions, the minimally invasive approach results in minimal disruption of the abdominal muscles and soft tissues of the pelvis. This translates to significantly less post-op pelvic pain and a much quicker recovery. With a minimally invasive laparoscopic myomectomy, you can resume your normal routine in less than a week. This is in stark contrast to the 4 to 6-week recovery period required for an open abdominal myomectomy.

The Outpatient Hysterectomy Center is uniquely qualified to perform minimally invasive pelvic surgeries

Today, Southern Californians are fortunate to have two world-renowned endoscopic OB-GYN surgeons performing the latest, most advanced type of laparoscopy known as a Minimally Invasive Out-Patient Myomectomy.

Dr. Thais Aliabadi and Dr. Ramon Yera are renowned experts in the field of minimally invasive pelvic laparoscopic surgeries. They each have performed thousands of these procedures over the past two decades.

What’s more, both physicians have traveled extensively throughout the United States and internationally teaching these surgical skills to other OB-GYNs, lecturing gynecologists at conferences and medical schools, and educating the general public through television appearances. In addition, they have published articles in peer-reviewed journals and collaborated with medical device manufacturers to develop next-generation products.

And, most important for you, Drs. Aliabadi and Yera have assembled a team of highly experienced professionals to help make your pre and post-surgical experience as pleasant and stress-free as possible.

The advantages to this approach are so many, that women who learn about this option are no longer putting off surgical removal of their symptomatic fibroids once and for all. Many patients tell us “If only I knew about this option sooner, I wouldn’t have waited for so long.”

Major invasive fibroid removal surgery is now a thing of the past.

Women no longer need to choose between suffering from fibroid symptoms or undergoing major invasive surgery, a hospital stay, and a long painful recovery.

With our Minimally Invasive Out-Patient Myomectomy, you can take control of your health today and get on with your life, literally, tomorrow!

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When she diagnosed me I felt this overwelming sense of relief that I hadn't had in years. See, I knew something wasn't right, but every doctor I went to just did the normal tests and told me I was fine and that everything was normal. Long story short, I required surgery and Dr. Aliabadi's staff went above and beyond to get me scheduled for surgery that week so I could be on the road to recovery sooner rather than later.

After surgery Dr. Aliabadi AND her staff followed up with me to make sure I was OK.

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The best OB you will ever have. Hands down. Changed my life! Dr. Aliabadi is extremely knowledgeable and changed my quality of my life with endometriosis.

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Our sincere gratitude and appreciation in having Dr. Aliabadi as our physician. We are deeply grateful for the way she manages her practice, her appointment visits, how well she knows her profession, and how much she truly cares. Most importantly, we are grateful for her true understanding of what a patient is going through, not only physically but emotionally. Thank you and please know we very much appreciate you!

Jim S. (on Google)

I was having issues with an ovarian cyst (never had one in my life before this). I ended up needing a laparoscopic surgery and although I was terrified and the surgery was sudden (I'm afraid of anything medical), I felt completely at ease knowing that Dr. Aliabadi was going to be doing my surgery. The surgery was a breeze (in and out with no complications within hours). 2 weeks post-op I feel almost back to normal. The incisions are so small that 6 months from now I will hardly notice them.

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Dr. Aliabadi is a dream. Really, I can't even put into words how amazing she is. My husband says "she's such a badass" and he means that with all sincerity :) She is an expert in her field and knowledgeable beyond. She is a no BS kinda doctor, but compassionate at the same time. She is straight forward, direct and a top-notch quality doctor.

Sabrina S. (on Yelp)

The knowledge of Doctor Thais Aliabadi is amazing. She explained to me in detail about my problem. Other doctors never spent so much time on the explanation. She told me right away what caused my pain and did some tests that other doctors never did to find out what caused my pain. I highly recommend Dr. Aliabadi to everyone. She will find the solution to your problem!

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The most caring and amazing doctor I have ever been to. Saved my life and always does what is right for the patient. Makes you feel very comfortable and is very knowledgeable and thorough in her approach. I recommend her to all my friends.

Jimmey K. (on Yelp)

Dr. Aliabadi took a lifetime worth of pain away in under 2 hours! She was the only one who listened to me and genuinely cared enough to help me with my endometriosis. Although the surgery wasn't cheap, it has already changed my life tremendously in just 1 short year. It was worth every penny and I'm so very grateful for her!

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Dr. Aliabadi diagnosed me almost instantly and laid out a plan of action that has proven to be 100 percent effective. I HIGHLY recommend her.

Grace P. (on GatherUp)

If not for Dr. Aliabadi the tumor on my right ovary may have turned cancerous. In my opinion she saved my life. Forever in her debt. I love this woman. Kimmy and the rest of the staff make going to the doctor almost a treat.

Mary M. (on GatherUp)

Dr. Aliabadi made me feel immediately at ease and took the time to explain various medical issues and numerous options available to me. She identified issues and concerns that my previous doctors had missed. She truly has an encyclopedic knowledge of all medical issues, and I am truly grateful to her for the incredible care she has provided to me.

P. N. (on GatherUp)

It's always a good experience in your office. Dr. Aliabadi is wonderful and the whole office does a great job. The atmosphere is very warm and welcoming - unusual in a doctor's office.

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Dr. Aliabadi is the ideal ob-gyn. She is extremely knowledgeable, professional, thorough, considerate, and empathetic. I enthusiastically recommend her to friends and family. She is generous with her time and advice and never rushes through appointments. She addresses every question and concern with great care and attention. Her office staff is always very pleasant and conducts business in a very expeditious and courteous manner.

Michelle S. (on GatherUp)

Dr. Aliabadi is amazing. After several doctors and different opinions about my medical options, ranging from hysterectomy to half completed procedures, she is the only one that encouraged me and gave me hope for a better quality of life. I would definitely recommend her expertise and skills to those in need.

C. H. (on GatherUp)

I love Dr. Aliabadi and everyone in her office. You will not find a more knowledgeable and compassionate OB/GYN, or a more supportive and accommodating office.

Nanika L. (GatherUp)

Thais is the best and I always value her input and advice. Her confidence and commitment to me as her patient has never been in question. She goes above and beyond what most doctors suggest and analyze in various parts of my health. I appreciate her very much.

Portia F. (on GatherUp)

It was absolutely life changing. Dr. Aliabadi is God’s biggest gift to families around the world, especially those of us who were living in chronic pain before we had the pleasure of meeting her! I can’t thank her and her team enough for what they’ve done for me.

Lesley B. (on GatherUp)

I'm so blessed to have had Dr. Aliabadi for my procedure, a doctor with such great compassion for her patients. Her staff in the office as well as the surgery center made me feel very special and gave me the best care anyone could ask for. Thank you.

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Dr. Aliabadi is the best OB/GYN surgeon in the world. She made me feel like my health was important to her. Dr. Aliabadi made my anxiety disappear when she said I could have an outpatient hysterectomy. I was driving and able to complete a 4 1/2 mile walk three days after surgery. I am so happy that I had the Laparoscopic Hysterectomy-Minimally Invasive procedure.

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Dr. Aliabadi is the best doctor I have ever had with the best staff and group of women at her side. This entire office is truly a pleasure to visit each time, assuring you the absolute best experience possible no matter your circumstances that bring you. All while Dr. Aliabadi acts as your advocate, listens to you, and truly champions your health and well-being above all.

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