What complications may occur after uterine fibroid surgery?
Apr 22, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Lianlian
Introduction
Uterine fibroid surgery is categorized into two types: myomectomy and total hysterectomy. Myomectomy may lead to intraoperative bleeding and injury to the bowel. The most common postoperative complication of hysterectomy is local hematoma formation, which may subsequently become infected. If intraoperative injuries—such as those to the urinary or gastrointestinal tracts—are not promptly identified and repaired during surgery, they may result in postoperative urinary or fecal fistulas, causing significant distress and necessitating a second surgical intervention for repair.
All surgical procedures carry risks, and surgery for uterine fibroids is no exception.
Surgery for uterine fibroids broadly falls into two categories: myomectomy (removal of fibroids while preserving the uterus) and total hysterectomy (removal of the entire uterus). Surgical approaches include conventional open abdominal surgery as well as minimally invasive techniques such as laparoscopic or vaginal surgery. Myomectomy generally carries a lower risk of complications; the most common intraoperative complications include bleeding and inadvertent injury to the bowel. In rare cases, dense adhesions may be present around the uterus.
Iatrogenic injuries are relatively more common during total hysterectomy. The most frequent postoperative complication remains localized hematoma formation followed by secondary infection. Occasionally, severe surgical complications may occur—primarily involving injury to the bowel or urinary tract, including ureteral or bladder injury. If such injuries remain unrecognized intraoperatively and are not promptly repaired, they may lead to postoperative urinary or fecal fistulas—conditions that cause significant distress and necessitate reoperation for repair.
