What complications may occur after uterine fibroid surgery?
May 06, 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 intestinal tract. The most common postoperative complication of hysterectomy is local hematoma formation, which may subsequently become infected. If injuries sustained during surgery are not promptly identified and repaired, they may result in postoperative urinary or fecal fistulas—conditions that cause significant distress and necessitate a second surgical intervention for repair.
All surgeries carry risks, and surgical treatment for uterine fibroids is no exception.
Surgical management of 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.
Adjacent organ injury is relatively more common during total hysterectomy. The most frequent postoperative complication remains localized hematoma formation, which may lead to secondary infection. Occasionally, severe surgical complications occur—primarily involving injury to the bowel or urinary tract, including ureteral or bladder injury. If such injuries are not promptly identified and repaired intraoperatively, they may result in postoperative urinary or fecal fistulas—conditions that cause significant distress and necessitate reoperation for repair.
