Authors' recommendations: Uterine fibroids (also called myomas or leiomyomas) are benign tumors that originate in the smooth muscle cells inside the wall of the uterus (myometrium). Fibroids, usually multiple, occur in varying shapes and at various sites within the uterus. Uterine fibroids are diagnosed in approximately 30% of women of reproductive age (and from 50% to 80% of African Americans) and account for nearly 40% of all hysterectomies among women in the United States. These fibroids can have a negative impact on quality of life by causing symptoms such as menorrhagia, pelvic pain, and genitourinary and reproductive disorders including infertility. In some women, they cause no symptoms unless they grow or bleed. About 5% of fibroids are submucosal, i.e., they protrude into the uterine cavity. These are classified as Type 0 if the entire lesion is contained within the uterine cavity, Type I if < 50% extends into the myometrium, and Type II if 50% of the fibroid is intramyometrial. Myomectomy is the surgical removal of fibroids while preserving the uterus, and can be accomplished through hysteroscopy, which involves the insertion of a long, thin scope into the uterus through the cervix. During hysteroscopy, fluid is constantly instilled to distend the uterus enabling direct visualization of the endometrium.

Project Status: Completed

Year Published: 2012

URL for published report: http://www.hayesinc.com/hayes/crd/?crd=13603

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: United States

Organisation Name: HAYES, Inc.

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