Definition: A surgical procedure to remove uterine fibroids through a larger, open incision in the abdomen.
Procedure Steps:
1. Anesthesia: General anesthesia.
2. Incision: A vertical or horizontal (“bikini line”) incision is made in the lower abdomen.
3. Removal of Fibroids: The surgeon opens the uterus, enucleates (shells out) the fibroids, and repairs the uterine wall.
4. Closing: The abdomen is closed with sutures.
Purpose / Benefits:
• Purpose: To remove large, numerous, or hard-to-reach fibroids while preserving the uterus.
• Benefits:
o Preserves fertility.
o Allows the surgeon to feel and remove fibroids that might be missed with a laparoscopic approach.
o Effective for very large uteruses.