Uterine-Preserving Myomectomy in Young Women: A Comprehensive Review of Fertility Outcomes
Main Article Content
Abstract
Background: Uterine fibroids (leiomyomas) represent a prevalent benign gynecological condition, particularly affecting women of reproductive age. Conservative surgical approaches, such as myomectomy, are increasingly prioritized in young patients to preserve fertility and maintain uterine integrity. This review evaluates the efficacy, perioperative considerations, and reproductive outcomes associated with different myomectomy techniques.
Methods: A systematic literature analysis was conducted, focusing on studies involving laparoscopic, hysteroscopic, and abdominal myomectomy in women under 40 years old. Outcomes assessed included fibroid recurrence rates, postoperative fertility, pregnancy complications, and long-term gynecological health.
Results: Myomectomy demonstrates high success rates in symptom relief (e.g., menorrhagia, pelvic pressure) and fertility preservation, with pregnancy rates exceeding 50% in most cohorts. However, minimally invasive techniques (e.g., laparoscopic myomectomy) are associated with reduced adhesions and shorter recovery compared to laparotomy. Recurrence remains a concern, with a 5-year incidence of 15–30%, necessitating individualized follow-up.
Conclusion: Uterine-sparing myomectomy is a safe and effective intervention for young women with symptomatic fibroids. Surgical approach selection should consider fibroid characteristics, reproductive goals, and risk of recurrence. Further prospective studies are needed to optimize patient stratification and postoperative management.
Article Details

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
References
I. Stewart EA, Cookson CL, Gandolfo RA, Schulze-Rath R. Epidemiology of uterine fibroids: a systematic review. BJOG. 2017 Sep;124(10):1501-1512.
II. Management of Symptomatic Uterine Leiomyomas: ACOG Practice Bulletin, Number 228. Obstet Gynecol. 2021 Jun 01;137(6):e100-e115.
III. Giuliani E, As-Sanie S, Marsh EE. Epidemiology and management of uterine fibroids. Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 2020 Apr;149(1):3-9.
IV. Wallach EE, Vlahos NF. Uterine myomas: an overview of development, clinical features, and management. Obstet Gynecol. 2004 Aug;104(2):393-406.
V. Guo XC, Segars JH. The impact and management of fibroids for fertility: an evidence-based approach. Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am. 2012 Dec;39(4):521-33.
VI. Buttram VC, Reiter RC. Uterine leiomyomata: etiology, symptomatology, and management. Fertil Steril. 1981 Oct;36(4):433-45.
VII. Wise LA, Palmer JR, Harlow BL, Spiegelman D, Stewart EA, Adams-Campbell LL, Rosenberg L. Reproductive factors, hormonal contraception, and risk of uterine leiomyomata in African-American women: a prospective study. Am J Epidemiol. 2004 Jan 15;159(2):113-23.
VIII. Pavone D, Clemenza S, Sorbi F, Fambrini M, Petraglia F. Epidemiology and Risk Factors of Uterine Fibroids. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol. 2018 Jan;46:3-11.
IX. Takeda T, Sakata M, Isobe A, Miyake A, Nishimoto F, Ota Y, Kamiura S, Kimura T. Relationship between metabolic syndrome and uterine leiomyomas: a case-control study. Gynecol Obstet Invest. 2008;66(1):14-7.
X. Ross RK, Pike MC, Vessey MP, Bull D, Yeates D, Casagrande JT. Risk factors for uterine fibroids: reduced risk associated with oral contraceptives. Br Med J (Clin Res Ed). 1986 Aug 09;293(6543):359-62.
XI. Flake GP, Andersen J, Dixon D. Etiology and pathogenesis of uterine leiomyomas: a review. Environ Health Perspect. 2003 Jun;111(8):1037-54.
XII. Bulun SE. Uterine fibroids. N Engl J Med. 2013 Oct 03;369(14):1344-55.
XIII. Ishikawa H, Ishi K, Serna VA, Kakazu R, Bulun SE, Kurita T. Progesterone is essential for maintenance and growth of uterine leiomyoma. Endocrinology. 2010 Jun;151(6):2433-42.
XIV. Bertsch E, Qiang W, Zhang Q, Espona-Fiedler M, Druschitz S, Liu Y, Mittal K, Kong B, Kurita T, Wei JJ. MED12 and HMGA2 mutations: two independent genetic events in uterine leiomyoma and leiomyosarcoma. Mod Pathol. 2014 Aug;27(8):1144-53.
XV. Stewart EA. Uterine fibroids. Lancet. 2001 Jan 27;357(9252):293-8.
XVI. Brandon DD, Erickson TE, Keenan EJ, Strawn EY, Novy MJ, Burry KA, Warner C, Clinton GM. Estrogen receptor gene expression in human uterine leiomyomata. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1995 Jun;80(6):1876-81.