Home Print this page Email this page Small font sizeDefault font sizeIncrease font size
Users Online: 16290

 

Home About us Editorial board Search Ahead of print Current issue Archives Submit article Instructions Subscribe Advertise Contacts Login 
     

  Table of Contents  
ORIGINAL ARTICLE
Year : 2011  |  Volume : 52  |  Issue : 3  |  Page : 158-162  

The benefit of myomectomy in women aged 40 years and above: Experience in an urban teaching hospital in Nigeria


1 Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria
2 Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Federal Medical Centre, Nguru, Yobe State, Nigeria
3 Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Federal Medical Centre, Yola, Adamawa State, Nigeria

Date of Web Publication17-Oct-2011

Correspondence Address:
Babagana Bako
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, P.M.B. 1414, Maiduguri, Borno State, Maiduguri
Nigeria
Login to access the Email id

Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None


DOI: 10.4103/0300-1652.86125

Rights and Permissions
   Abstract 

Background: Abdominal myomectomy remains the mainstay of surgical management of uterine fibroids in our environment. However, its benefit in women aged 40 years and above remains debatable. Materials and Methods: An 11-year prospective study was conducted involving 98 women, aged 40 years and above, who had abdominal myomectomy for the treatment of uterine fibroid at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Maiduguri. They were followed up regularly for 1-6 years to detect conception, resolution of symptoms and obstetrics performance. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 13. Results: The mean age of the patients was 42.6΁2.9 years and 77 (78.6%) of them were nulliparous. Lower abdominal swelling was the commonest clinical presentation and the mean uterine size was 18.6΁8.5 weeks. Infertility with uterine fibroids was the indication for myomectomy in majority of the cases [48 (48.9%)], while pregnancy complications accounted for 11.2% (11) of the cases Fertility restoration was 10.4% among the infertile patients. There was complete resolution of symptoms in 35.9% of those who required symptomatic relief, and term pregnancies were recorded in 72.7% of patients with pregnancy complications. Conclusion: Myomectomy is the recommended treatment of uterine fibroids in women aged 40 years and above with infertility and who wish to become pregnant. If there is no need for further fertility preservation, hysterectomy should be offered.

Keywords: Abdominal myomectomy, conception, in vitro fertilization, infertility, uterine fibroids


How to cite this article:
Obed JY, Bako B, Kadas S, Usman JD, Kullima AA, Moruppa JY. The benefit of myomectomy in women aged 40 years and above: Experience in an urban teaching hospital in Nigeria. Niger Med J 2011;52:158-62

How to cite this URL:
Obed JY, Bako B, Kadas S, Usman JD, Kullima AA, Moruppa JY. The benefit of myomectomy in women aged 40 years and above: Experience in an urban teaching hospital in Nigeria. Niger Med J [serial online] 2011 [cited 2024 Mar 28];52:158-62. Available from: https://www.nigeriamedj.com/text.asp?2011/52/3/158/86125


   Introduction Top


Myomectomy has become a commonly performed surgical procedure in recent years as more women desire conservation of their uterus in the presence of symptomatic uterine fibroids. [1] The incidence and severity of myomas increase with the premenopausal age, [2],[3] which makes uterine fibroids a common clinical condition encountered in many women of advanced reproductive age. Additionally, the recent trend of delayed childbearing and an increase in the number of women in the latter reproductive years have increased the demand for conservative treatment of uterine fibroids for preservation of reproductive potential. [2],[3],[4]

The surgical treatment of this benign tumor in women aged 40 years or more remains a challenge. [4] In African countries where the prevalence of fibroids is higher, this is furthermore complicated by the fact that many patients also suffer from infertility and wish to preserve their uterus for further childbirth. [3],[5]

New advances in assisted reproductive techniques now permit women in the later reproductive years to bear a child if the uterus is still intact. This has brightened their fertility prospects, thereby giving them more reasons to choose myomectomy as an alternative to hysterectomy.

Abdominal myomectomy for large uterine fibroids can be technically challenging, and it may be associated with the risks of hemorrhage, anemia, wound sepsis, pelvic adhesions and uterine rupture in subsequent pregnancies. [1],[2] However, recent studies have shown that the morbidity of myomectomy and hysterectomy is comparable. [6] Newer conservative surgical techniques with minimal invasive approach including laparoscopic myomectomy, uterine artery embolization and magnetic resonance guided focused ultrasound have evolved, but are not readily available in developing countries. Therefore, abdominal myomectomy forms the mainstay of conservative surgical treatment for uterine fibroids, particularly in women who wish to retain their uterus. [2],[3],[5]

The presence of uterus carries a symbolic meaning to many women who associate it with femininity and can experience diminished self-esteem if it is removed. In fact, some women view the uterus as the regulator and controller of important physiological functions, a sexual organ, a source of energy and vitality, and a maintainer of youth and attractiveness. [7],[8],[9] Thus, many women might wish to avoid a hysterectomy, even when their families are completed. The benefit of myomectomy in women aged 40 years and above has not been strictly studied in our environment. The aim of this study was to review the benefits of myomectomy in this age group and its worthiness in our environment.


   Materials and Methods Top


A cohort of 109 women, aged 40 years and above, who had abdominal myomectomy for the treatment of uterine fibroid at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (U.M.T.H.), Maiduguri, northeastern Nigeria, formed the basis of this study. It was a prospective study that spanned 11 years (1997-2007) and was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. The patients were counseled and only those who gave a written consent were enrolled in the study. The hospital Ethical and Research Committee reviewed all aspects of the study and approved it.

Patients' demographic data, preoperative symptoms and indications for the surgery were recorded. Only the patients who had abdominal myomectomy were enrolled in the study after being counseled and informed that they could withdraw from the study anytime, without any consequences. Hystero-saphingograpy (HSG), hormonal assay, and seminal fluid analysis (SFA) were performed to detect abnormalities in all patients who had infertility. Patients with abnormalities in HSG, hormonal assay or SFA and those who declined to give their consent for the study were excluded from the study. Women who had repeat myomectomy for recurrent uterine fibroids were also excluded.

Abdominal myomectomy was done via a laparotomy and surgery was performed according to standards described by Breech and Rock. [11] All the patients were operated by the authors and uterine fibroids confirmed by histology.

The patients were categorized into three groups based on their indications for surgery: Those with infertility, those who required symptom resolution and those who had pregnancy complication.

After the surgery, the patients were followed up for 1-6 years and they were seen at 3-6 months interval. The patients with infertility were encouraged to get pregnant after being counseled on regular sexual intercourse, and after 2 years of follow-up, they were referred for in vitro fertilization (IVF). At each visit, the patients were enquired about relief, persistence or recurrence of the preoperative symptoms and pregnancy. Physical examination including pelvic ultrasound scan was done to detect recurrence of fibroid or confirm pregnancy. Those who became pregnant were enrolled for antenatal care and followed up to delivery.

The information obtained for each patient was recorded on a proforma designed for the study. This was then entered into an international business machine (IBM) compatible personal computer (PC) for analysis using SPSS version 11.0 for window statistical package. Analyses were carried out for descriptive statistics and presented as tables. Fisher exact test was used to compare proportions and P value of <0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.

For the purpose of this study, infertility was defined as failure to achieve pregnancy after a year of cohabitation and regular unprotected intercourse. It was termed primary when there was no history of previous pregnancies and secondary when previous pregnancies had occurred irrespective of their outcomes. Recurrent miscarriage was defined as three or more consecutive spontaneous miscarriages. Preterm delivery was defined as delivery after the age of viability but before 37 completed weeks of gestation, and abnormal lie was fetal lie other than longitudinal.


   Results Top


During the period under review, 818 women had myomectomy, and 135 (16.5%) of them were aged 40 years or more. Informed consent for the study was given by 109 women, but 98 (89.8%) of them were followed up for at least 1 year and the rest were lost to follow-up.

The age range of the patients was 40-49 years, and women aged 41 and 42 years constituted 24.5% each. Majority of the patients were nulliparous [77 (78.6%)] and 29 (29.6%) had a history of abortion. The mean parity of the parous women was 1.7±1.1 with a range of 1-5. Fifty-six (57.1%) of the patients were married, while the rest [42 (42.9%)] were either single, divorced or widowed as shown in [Table 1].
Table 1: Sociodemographic characteristics


Click here to view


Lower abdominal swelling was the commonest presentation, followed by infertility and menstrual abnormality as shown in [Table 2]. There were multiple symptoms in 48% of the patients. Clinical uterine size at presentation ranged from 12 to 32 weeks, with a mean of 18.6±8.5 weeks.
Table 2: Clinical presentation


Click here to view


The mean duration of infertility was 3.2±2.2 years, with a range of 1-10 years. Infertility with uterine fibroids was the indication in majority of the cases for myomectomy [48 (48.9%)]. Pregnancy complications like recurrent miscarriage/previous preterm delivery, previous abnormal lie and previous abruption placentae accounted for 11/98 (11.2%) of the cases.

Forty-eight women had infertility, and following myomectomy, 5/48 (10.4%) of the women had their fertility restored. Three had spontaneous conception and two out of the six women who attempted post myomectomy IVF conceived (Fischer exact = 3.86, P=0.04). Three had elective C/S at term, one had emergency C/S due to antepartum hemorrhage and the other had a missed abortion at 16 weeks. There was no case of uterine rupture. The remaining 43 women were still infertile at the end of the study.

Thirty-eight women wanted resolution of symptoms; 14 women had complete resolution of symptoms, giving a patient satisfaction rate of 35.9%. Twelve (30.8%) women reported initial temporary relief of symptoms, while the remaining [13 (33.3%)] reported worsening of symptoms or development of newer symptoms, especially recurrent pelvic pains.

Eleven women had myomectomy because of various pregnancy complications and nine term pregnancies were recorded in 8/11 (72.7%) of the women. Three of the women had elective cesarean section (one due to placenta previa and the other two due to breech presentations), one had emergency cesarean section (due to fetal distress), while the remaining five had vaginal deliveries. None of the patients had uterine rupture. The remaining three women were yet to conceive at the end of the study.

Recurrent fibroid was seen in 3 (3.1%) of the patients studied, and after 6 years following myomectomy, 16 patients had hysterectomy due to one reason or the other of unbearable and persistent or recurrent symptoms of pelvic pains, metromenorrhagia, endometrial hyperplasia or recurrent fibroids. Twelve of them were in the group that wanted resolution of symptoms and two each among those with infertility and pregnancy complications[Table 3].
Table 3: Indication for myomectomy


Click here to view



   Discussion Top


Abdominal myomectomy remains the mainstay of surgical management of uterine fibroids in our environment, especially when fertility conservation is required. [2],[5] This surgery is also the standard of care for patients with uterine fibroids who have otherwise unexplained infertility or recurrent pregnancy loss. [12] Our study looked at the benefit of this time-honored surgery in women aged 40 years and above, where ovarian functions and fecundity are on the decline.

The link between infertility and uterine fibroids remains unclear. However, it is well known that the incidence of uterine fibroids increases widely with age, [13] and infertility when really caused by uterine fibroids should, therefore, appear later in a woman's reproductive life. This may be the reason for the high occurrence of infertility in our studied population, thereby making it the commonest indication for myomectomy.

Victor Bonney, [11] an early advocate of myomectomy, wrote in 1931, "the restoration and maintenance of physiologic function is, or should be, the ultimate goal of surgical treatment".

We observed some benefits of myomectomy in all the three groups studied. There was a marginal fertility restoration of 10.4% amongst the women with infertility. This is much lower than the reported 55.9% restoration of fertility reported by Seracchioli et al. in Italy. [15] The low conception may be because of the natural decline in fecundity with increasing age, and this finding is censored with the finding of Vercelli et al. in 1999. [16] In addition, our patients had larger fibroids before surgery and therefore had more extensive surgeries and possibly postoperative adhesions that could impair tubal functions. However, a higher conception rate of 33.3% was seen among women who had IVF. The high conception in this group is a welcome advancement, and possibly, the negative effect of age on fertility was compensated by the positive effect of myomectomy. Although the exorbitant cost of IVF treatment in a developing country may not allow routine recommendation of such treatment, it is important that this option be discussed with the patients. This will allow a more informed choice of surgery and allows many such couples to fulfil their dreams of becoming parents.

Uterine fibroids may be associated with miscarriage or preterm delivery, especially the submucous variety which could either interfere with implantation or compete with the fetus for space. [17] In this study, an improved obstetrics performance was seen in the women with recurrent miscarriage or preterm deliveries. The results of this study compare favorably with the reports in the literature, which suggests that the surgical removal of myoma has a beneficial effect of enhancing fertility and improving pregnancy outcome. [11] The 72.7% successful live birth rate following myomectomy strongly indicates that such treatment is the standard of care in such women. This finding also agrees with the findings of Li et al. in Sheffield, UK. [18]

Following myomectomy, we also found a modest patient satisfaction rate of 35.9% among those who wanted symptom resolution. This is lower than the 80% rate earlier reported by Buttram and Reiter [19] and much lower than over 90% reported for hysterectomy. For these patients, the alternative of hysterectomy could have been more useful as studies have shown higher symptom relief with hysterectomy. It can be suggested that patients who require resolution of symptoms should be counseled and offered the option of hysterectomy because of the obvious benefits. Moreover, majority of these patients had persistence or even worsening of symptoms.

Only 3.1% had recurrence during the follow-up period, which is much lower than 20.7% reported earlier in the same center among all patients. [20] This is because of the decline in ovarian function toward the later part of the reproductive age and the consequent hypoestrogenic state that ensues. However, the repeat surgery, particularly hysterectomy, of the 16.3% is comparable with the finding of 15% reported by Steward et al.[21] This information can be very useful for women undergoing myomectomy for resolution of symptoms so that they can make an informed choice of surgery for the treatment of uterine fibroids at this age.

There is need for a randomized case-control study to determine optimum treatment for uterine fibroid in women aged 40 years and above in our environment and the dose-effect relationship of myomectomy for large uterine fibroids and infertility. This is particularly important in our environment where our patients present with multiple and relatively larger fibroids.

Limitations to this study include the lack of a control group. However, we were unable to find and follow up cases of hysterectomy for myomas of similar size with which to compare the results. Another limitation of this study is that the follow-up period of the patients was not uniform and the patients who had complete resolution of symptoms were more likely to default early, thereby skewing the number of patients with recurrence of preoperative symptoms. Additional limitation is the small sample size, especially of those women who had IVF, and this may exaggerate the conception rate in that group.


   Conclusion Top


Myomectomy is the recommended treatment of uterine fibroids in women aged 40 years and above with infertility and those that wish to become pregnant. If there is no need for further fertility preservation, hysterectomy should be offered.



 
   References Top

1.Jacobson GF, Shaber RE, Armstrong MA, Hung YY. Changes in rates of hysterectomy and uterus-conserving procedures for treatment of uterine leiomyoma. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2007;196:601-6.  Back to cited text no. 1
[PUBMED]  [FULLTEXT]  
2.Okezie O, Ezegwui HU. Management of uterine fibroids in Enugu, Nigeria. J Obstet Gynaecol 2006;26:363-5.  Back to cited text no. 2
[PUBMED]  [FULLTEXT]  
3.Aboyeyi AP, Ijaiya MA. Uterine Fibroids: A ten year clinical review in Ilorin, Nigeria. Nig J Med 2002;11:16-9.  Back to cited text no. 3
    
4.Garcia CR. Management of the symptomatic fibroid in women older than 40 years of age: hysterectomy or myomectomy? Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am 1993;20:337-48.  Back to cited text no. 4
    
5.Obuna JA, Umeora OU, Ejikeme BN, Egwuatu VE. Uterine fibroids in a tertiary health centre South East Nigeria. Niger J Med 2008;17:447-51.  Back to cited text no. 5
[PUBMED]    
6.Sawin SW, Pilevsky ND, Berlin JA, Barnhart KT. Comparability of perioperative morbidity between abdominal myomectomy and hysterectomy for women with uterine leiomyomas. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2000;183:1448-55.   Back to cited text no. 6
[PUBMED]  [FULLTEXT]  
7.Sloan D. The emotional and psychosexual aspects of hysterectomy. Am J Obstet Gynecol 1978;131:598-605.  Back to cited text no. 7
[PUBMED]    
8.Nevadunsky NS, Bachmann GA, Nosher J, Yu T. Women's decision making determinants in choosing uterine artery embolization for symptomatic fibroids. J Reprod Med 2001;46:870-4.  Back to cited text no. 8
[PUBMED]    
9.Graesslin O, Martin-Morille C, Leguillier-Amour MC, Darnaud T, Gonzales N, Bancheri F, et al. Local investigation concerning psychic and sexual functioning a short time after hysterectomy. Gynecol Obstet Fertil 2002;30:474-82.  Back to cited text no. 9
[PUBMED]    
10.Makate T, Wright C, Mander T. Hysterectomy and sexual function. J Br Menopause Soc 2006;12:153-7.   Back to cited text no. 10
    
11.Breech LL, Rock JA. Leiomyoma Uteri and Myomectomy. Te Linde's Operative Gynecology. In Rock JA, Jones HW 3 rd , editors. 10 th ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins; 2008. p. 688-727.  Back to cited text no. 11
    
12.Sinclair D, Gaither K, Tina C. Mason TC. Fertility outcomes following myomectomy in an urban hospital setting. J Natl Med Assoc 2005;97:1348-8.   Back to cited text no. 12
    
13.Marshall LM, Spiegelman D, Barbieri RL, Goldman MB, Manson JE, Colditz GA, et al. Variation in the incidence of uterine leiomyoma among premenopausal women by age and race. Obstet Gynaecol 1998;90:967-73.  Back to cited text no. 13
    
14.Bonney V. The technique and result of myomectomy. Lancet 1931;220:171-3.  Back to cited text no. 14
    
15.Seracchioli R, Rossi S, Govoni F, Rossi E, Venturoli S, Bulletti C, et al. Fertility and obstetric outcome after laparoscopic myomectomy of large myomata: A randomized comparison with abdominal myomectomy. Hum Reprod 2000;15:2663-8.  Back to cited text no. 15
[PUBMED]  [FULLTEXT]  
16.Vercellini P, Maddalena S, De Giorgi O, Pesole A, Ferrari L, Crosiqnani PG. Determinants of reproductive outcome after abdominal myomectomy for infertility. Fertil Steri 1999;72:109-14.  Back to cited text no. 16
    
17.Propst AM, Hill JA. Anatomic factors associated with recurrent pregnancy loss. Semin Reprod Med 2000;18:341-50.  Back to cited text no. 17
    
18.Li TC, Mortimer R, Cooke ID. Myomectomy: A retrospective study to examine reproductive performance before and after surgery. Hum Reprod 1999;14:1735-40.   Back to cited text no. 18
[PUBMED]  [FULLTEXT]  
19.Buttram VC, Reiter RC. Uterine leiomyomata: Etiology, symptomatology, and management. Fertil Steril 1981;36:433-5.  Back to cited text no. 19
    
20.Obed JY, Bako B, Usman JD, Moruppa JY, Kadas S. Uterine Fbroids: Risk of recurrence after myomectomy in a Nigerian population. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2010;283:311-5.  Back to cited text no. 20
[PUBMED]  [FULLTEXT]  
21.Stewart EA, Faur AV, Wise LA, Reilly RA, Harlow BL. Predictors of subsequent surgery for uterine leiomyomata after abdominal myomectomy. Obstet Gynecol 2002;99:426-32.  Back to cited text no. 21
    



 
 
    Tables

  [Table 1], [Table 2], [Table 3]


This article has been cited by
1 Myomectomy in adult women of reproductive age: a propensity score-matched study for pregnancy rates
Andrea Tinelli, Ioannis Kosmas, Mykhailo V. Medvediev, Antonio Malvasi, Andrea Morciano, Radmila Sparic, Ospan A. Mynbaev
Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics. 2023;
[Pubmed] | [DOI]
2 Laparoscopic Intracapsular Myomectomy in Women 40 Years Old and Over with Symptomatic Uterine Fibroids. A Pilot Study
Andrea Tinelli,Ioannis P. Kosmas,William H. Catherino,Jose Carugno,Ospan A. Mynbaev,Radmila Sparic,Giuseppe Trojano,Antonio Malvasi
The Surgery Journal. 2021; 07(01): e47
[Pubmed] | [DOI]
3 A clinical audit of the patterns of presentations and complications of abdominal myomectomy at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria
Adebayo Damilola Agboola,Oluwasomidoyin Olukemi Bello,Oladapo Olugbenga Olayemi
Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. 2021; : 1
[Pubmed] | [DOI]
4 Comparison of uterine artery embolization and myomectomy: A long-term analysis of 863 patients
Jemianne Bautista Jia,Emilie T. Nguyen,Anoop Ravilla,Eric Mastrolonardo,Jean Min,Janis F. Yao,Ilya Lekht
American Journal of Interventional Radiology. 2021; 5: 1
[Pubmed] | [DOI]
5 Important considerations for women in the late reproductive and perimenopausal years desiring myomectomy
Kristen Pepin,Himabindu Reddy,Nisse V. Clark
Current Opinion in Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2019; 31(4): 285
[Pubmed] | [DOI]
6 Comparison of 30-Day Complication Rates between Laparoscopic Myomectomy and Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy for the Treatment of Uterine Leiomyoma in Women Older than Age 40
David Sheyn,C. Emi Bretschnieder,Sangeeta T. Mahajan,Sherif El-Nashar,Megan Billow,Cara S. Ninivaggio
Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology. 2018;
[Pubmed] | [DOI]
7 Surgical treatment: Myomectomy or hysterectomy are the two surgical approaches; endoscopy is a major advancement
Thibault Thubert,Hervé Foulot,Marie Vinchant,Pietro Santulli,Paul Marzouk,Bruno Borghese,Charles Chapron
Best Practice & Research Clinical Obstetrics & Gynaecology. 2016;
[Pubmed] | [DOI]
8 Is myomectomy in women aged 45 years and older an effective option?
Da Hee Kim,Mi-La Kim,Taejong Song,Mi Kyoung Kim,Bo Sung Yoon,Seok Ju Seong
European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology. 2014;
[Pubmed] | [DOI]
9 Reproductive outcome following abdominal myomectomy for a very large fibroid uterus
J. Pundir,J. Kopeika,L. Harris,N. Krishnan,C. Uwins,A. Siozos,Y. Khalaf,T. El-Toukhy
Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology. 2014; : 1
[Pubmed] | [DOI]



 

Top
  
 
  Search
 
    Similar in PUBMED
   Search Pubmed for
   Search in Google Scholar for
 Related articles
    Access Statistics
    Email Alert *
    Add to My List *
* Registration required (free)  

 
  In this article
    Abstract
   Introduction
    Materials and Me...
   Results
   Discussion
   Conclusion
    References
    Article Tables

 Article Access Statistics
    Viewed10227    
    Printed421    
    Emailed0    
    PDF Downloaded389    
    Comments [Add]    
    Cited by others 9    

Recommend this journal