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Key Takeaways
- Myomectomy removes fibroids while preserving your uterus, making it a fertility‑sparing option when surgery is needed. The right approach depends on fibroid size, number and location, and your pregnancy plans.
- Recovery and risks vary by surgical approach: hysteroscopic and laparoscopic procedures generally involve shorter recovery, while open surgery may be recommended for larger or more complex fibroids but requires longer healing.
- If you have been advised to consider myomectomy, discuss your symptoms, pregnancy plans, and treatment options with a gynaecologist. They can explain which approach may be suitable, the associated risks and recovery expectations, and how surgery may affect future pregnancy and delivery.
A scan may show uterine fibroids, but this does not automatically mean you need surgery. If fibroids are causing symptoms or affecting fertility, your gynaecologist may discuss treatment options with you, including myomectomy.
This article explains what myomectomy is, when it may be recommended, how the different surgical approaches differ, what to expect during recovery, and what to ask your gynaecologist before the procedure.
What is myomectomy?
A myomectomy, also called fibroidectomy, is surgery to remove uterine fibroids while keeping your uterus intact. Fibroids are usually non-cancerous growths made of muscle and connective tissue. They can develop within the uterine wall, inside the uterine cavity, or on the outer surface of the uterus.
The procedure aims to relieve symptoms caused by fibroids without removing your uterus. It may be an option if you want to become pregnant in the future or prefer to keep your uterus. The surgical approach depends on the size, number, and location of your fibroids, as well as your pregnancy plans.
When might you need fibroid removal surgery?
Not all fibroids need surgery. Your gynaecologist will assess your symptoms, the size and location of your fibroids, and your pregnancy plans before discussing suitable treatment options.
Myomectomy may be considered if fibroids cause symptoms that affect your daily life, such as:
- Pelvic pain or pressure
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Irregular bleeding or spotting between periods
- Difficulty fully emptying your bladder
Are there alternatives to myomectomy?
Myomectomy is an alternative to hysterectomy if you want to keep your uterus and preserve the possibility of a future pregnancy. Unlike myomectomy, which removes only the fibroids, a hysterectomy removes the uterus, meaning you will no longer be able to carry a pregnancy.
Non-surgical procedures such as uterine fibroid embolisation (UFE), also known as uterine artery embolisation (UAE), may also be considered. UFE uses a thin catheter to block the blood supply to the fibroids so they shrink over time.
In Singapore, UAE is performed by an interventional radiologist, usually after a referral from your gynaecologist. It preserves the uterus and avoids general anaesthesia, but because its effect on future fertility is still being studied, it is not usually the first choice for women planning a pregnancy. Your gynaecologist can discuss whether it may be suitable for you and refer you for further assessment if appropriate.
If you prefer to avoid surgery, medication may be an option to help manage symptoms such as heavy bleeding or pelvic discomfort. However, symptom relief does not necessarily mean the fibroids have been removed. Your gynaecologist will discuss the benefits and limitations of each alternative option with you.
Which type of myomectomy might be suitable?
The four surgical approaches to myomectomy: hysteroscopic, laparoscopic, robotic-assisted, and open abdominal.
If myomectomy is recommended after considering your treatment options, the next step is to decide how the fibroids will be removed. Your gynaecologist will recommend an approach based on their size, number, and location, as well as your overall health and pregnancy plans.
Hysteroscopic myomectomy
Hysteroscopic myomectomy may be suitable for fibroids that grow into the uterine cavity. Your surgeon passes a thin instrument called a hysteroscope through your vagina and cervix to view and remove the fibroids. No cuts are made in your abdomen. This approach generally has a shorter recovery period than abdominal surgery.
Laparoscopic myomectomy
Laparoscopic myomectomy uses several small cuts in your abdomen. Your surgeon inserts a thin scope with a camera called a laparoscope through one opening and surgical instruments through the others to remove the fibroids and repair the uterus. Compared with open surgery, this approach generally involves less postoperative pain and a shorter recovery.
Robotic-assisted myomectomy
Robotic-assisted myomectomy is similar to laparoscopic surgery but uses robotic instruments controlled by your surgeon from a nearby console. The surgeon directs every movement; the robot does not operate independently. A surgical team remains beside you throughout the procedure.
Like laparoscopy, it uses small abdominal cuts and may allow a shorter recovery than open surgery. However, it can take longer and cost more than conventional laparoscopy.
Abdominal or open myomectomy
An abdominal myomectomy involves a larger cut in your lower abdomen to access the uterus and remove the fibroids. The cut is usually horizontal, although a vertical incision may be needed depending on the size of your uterus and the location of the fibroids.
Open surgery may be recommended when fibroids are very large, numerous or difficult to remove safely through a minimally invasive approach. Recovery generally takes longer than after laparoscopic or hysteroscopic surgery, but it may be the more suitable option in complex cases.
If you have been recommended for a myomectomy and want to understand your options first, WhatsApp our Care Team. Tell us what you have been told and any scan or test reports you have, and we will send you one to three gynaecologists matched to your situation, each with a reason. You choose who to see, and we arrange the appointment.
Myomectomy and fertility
Myomectomy preserves your uterus and may improve your chances of getting pregnant if fibroids are affecting fertility, particularly when they change the shape of the uterine cavity. However, not all fibroids affect conception, and removing them does not guarantee pregnancy.
Surgery can also cause scar tissue that may affect future fertility, so it is important to discuss the potential benefits and risks. After myomectomy, your uterus needs time to heal before you try to conceive. Your gynaecologist will advise when it is suitable to start trying and whether the surgery may affect how a future pregnancy or delivery is managed.
What can you expect from the myomectomy procedure?
Before your myomectomy, your doctor will explain how to prepare and what will happen on the day of surgery.
Preparing for the procedure
Before the procedure, your gynaecologist will discuss the fibroids being treated, the type of myomectomy recommended, and what you can expect during recovery. This is a good time to ask about the risks, hospital stay, and support you may need at home.
Several things you may need to prepare, such as:
- Tell your care team about all the medicines, vitamins, and supplements you take.
- Follow their instructions on fasting and any medication changes. Do not stop prescribed medicines, including blood thinners, without medical advice.
- Arrange for someone to take you home and help you during the early stages of recovery.
What happens during surgery?
Myomectomy is often performed under general anaesthesia, so you will be asleep during the procedure. Your care team will give you fluids and medicines through an intravenous (IV) line and monitor you throughout the surgery. A urinary catheter may also be used to empty your bladder.
The other specific steps will depend on the surgical approach recommended for your fibroids and discussed with your gynaecologist, whether it is hysteroscopic, laparoscopic, robotic, abdominal, or open surgery.
What can you expect during recovery?
Some pain, tiredness, and light vaginal bleeding or discharge are common after a myomectomy. Your care team may prescribe pain relief and advise you to start moving around gradually after surgery to support recovery and reduce the risk of blood clots.
Your recovery instructions may include:
- Avoiding strenuous exercise and heavy lifting until your doctor advises that it is safe to resume these activities
- Avoiding sexual intercourse and putting anything into the vagina until you have recovered
- Gradually returning to your usual activities rather than doing too much too soon
- Attending follow-up appointments to monitor your recovery
Recovery time depends on the type of myomectomy. Open myomectomy generally requires a longer recovery, while recovery after laparoscopic or hysteroscopic myomectomy is usually shorter. Your gynaecologist will give you a more specific timeframe based on your procedure and individual recovery.
What are the risks and possible complications?
Like any surgery, myomectomy carries some risks. The type and extent of these risks can vary depending on the surgical approach and the fibroids being treated.
Possible complications include:
- Bleeding, which may require a blood transfusion
- Infection
- Blood clots
- Injury to nearby organs
- Reactions to anaesthesia
- Scar tissue forming inside the uterus or around pelvic organs
- A tear or hole in the uterine wall during hysteroscopic surgery
Depending on the depth of the uterine incisions, surgery may also affect the strength of the uterine wall. Rarely, this can lead to uterine rupture during a future pregnancy or labour. A caesarean delivery may be recommended, so let your obstetrician know about any previous myomectomy.
How much does myomectomy cost in Singapore?
The cost of a myomectomy depends on how complex the surgery is, the hospital you choose and the ward class. The Ministry of Health (MOH) classifies myomectomy under two Table of Surgical Procedures (TOSP) codes:
- SI709U: Myomectomy, simple (fibroid under 5cm) – Table 3C
- SI815U: Myomectomy, complicated (e.g. fibroid over 5cm, multiple fibroids, deeply embedded) – Table 5A
The figures below are for the complicated myomectomy category (SI815U, Table 5A), which is the more common case for women needing surgery for symptomatic fibroids. A simpler myomectomy will typically cost less.
These ranges show the middle 50% of bills (25th to 75th percentile). Actual costs may fall outside this range depending on your surgeon, hospital, length of stay, and whether complications arise. All figures include GST and are before MediSave, MediShield Life or Integrated Shield Plan payouts. Public hospital figures already reflect government subsidies where applicable.
Depending on your eligibility, the following options may help reduce your out-of-pocket costs:
- MediSave: You may use up to SGD 1,130 per day for the first two days of inpatient hospitalisation and SGD 400 per day thereafter, plus a separate surgical withdrawal limit. For the complex myomectomy category used in the cost table above (TOSP code SI815U, Table 5A), the surgical withdrawal limit is SGD 2,610.
- MediShield Life: For eligible inpatient treatment, claim limits are up to SGD 1,630 per day for the first two days of a normal ward stay and SGD 830 per day thereafter. For Table 5A surgery, the complex myomectomy category used above, the surgical claim limit is SGD 2,700.
- Integrated Shield Plan (IP): An IP provides additional private insurance coverage on top of MediShield Life and may help cover treatment in higher-class public hospital wards or private hospitals.
How to choose a gynaecologist for myomectomy
A consultation with your gynaecologist to discuss myomectomy options.
When choosing a gynaecologist for myomectomy, consider their experience in treating uterine fibroids and whether they explain your treatment options clearly. The right approach depends on factors such as the size, number, and location of your fibroids, as well as your plans for future pregnancy.
Rather than choosing a specific surgical technique first, look for a gynaecologist who can assess your condition and recommend an approach that is appropriate for your individual needs.
You can also check the Singapore Medical Council’s register to confirm that the doctor is registered, has a valid practising certificate and is listed as a specialist in obstetrics and gynaecology.
How Health in Asia can help
If you have been told you need a myomectomy, two things are usually unclear at once: which surgeon to see, and what it will cost. The approach recommended to you can also depend partly on who you see, since not every gynaecologist performs all four. We can help you find a specialist suited to your situation, and give you the numbers before you commit.
Tell our Care Team about your symptoms, whether you are planning a pregnancy, and any treatment recommended so far. You can also share scan reports, previous treatments, and your insurance details to help the team understand what you need.
The Care Team can help with:
- A shortlist of one to three specialists matched to your condition and preferences, with the reasons explained.
- Checking your insurance considerations, including your insurer’s panel eligibility, likely coverage and whether pre-authorisation applies
- Explaining estimated out-of-pocket costs before you book.
- Appointment booking and care coordination.
- Arranging a second opinion if you are unsure about the diagnosis, recommended surgical approach or need for surgery.
We help you navigate your care, but we do not diagnose fibroids or decide which treatment you need. Your gynaecologist will assess your condition and discuss whether myomectomy or another option is suitable for you.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Send us what you have. If anything's missing, we'll tell you exactly what to request and how.
No. None of the specialists we recommend paid to be there. We match on clinical fit.
Yes. Once we've found the right specialist, we check them against your insurance panel and work out the likely out-of-pocket cost, then share it with you before you commit. We can't speak for the insurer's final decision, but we'll make sure you go in with the clearest picture we can give you.
Tell us your insurer during the first conversation and we'll take it into account when identifying specialist options.
Disclaimer
This article and its contents are provided for educational and informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice or professional services specific to you or your medical condition. For decisions about your health or treatment, speak with a qualified doctor who knows your situation. An…
How we reviewed this article:
Health in Asia has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.
- CPF Board: Using MediSave for Hospitalisation. https://www.cpf.gov.sg/member/healthcare-financing/using-your-medisave-savings/using-medisave-for-hospitalisation
- CPF Board: Healthcare in Singapore. https://www.cpf.gov.sg/member/infohub/educational-resources/healthcare-in-sg-four-questions-answered
- MOH: Hospital Bills and Fee Benchmarks. https://www.moh.gov.sg/managing-expenses/bills-and-fee-benchmarks/cost-financing/tosp-si815u-bill-information/
