Myomectomy in Grand Rapids, MI

A myomectomy is a surgical procedure used to remove non-cancerous growths called uterine fibroids from the muscular wall of the uterus, while preserving the uterus itself. Many women in Grand Rapids and West Michigan choose myomectomy when they want relief from fibroid symptoms but still wish to become pregnant or keep their uterus.

Women in Grand Rapids can access myomectomy through major health systems such as Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health), Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health – University of Michigan Health, and Mercy Health, as well as local OB/GYN practices.

What Are Uterine Fibroids?

Uterine fibroids are benign (non-cancerous) tumors that grow in or on the uterus. They are very common in women of reproductive age, including in Kent County and across Michigan.

Fibroids can:

  • Cause pelvic pain or pressure
  • Lead to heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding
  • Contribute to anemia (low red blood cell count)
  • Interfere with fertility or pregnancy
  • Sometimes become infected or degenerate, causing severe pain

In some cases, especially if you are past childbearing age or have severe symptoms, your Grand Rapids gynecologist may also discuss hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) as an alternative.

Types of Fibroids

Fibroids are classified by where they grow in relation to the uterus:

  • Intramural fibroids

    • Grow within the muscular wall of the uterus
    • Most common type of fibroid
    • Can cause pelvic pain, pressure, and heavy periods

  • Submucosal fibroids

    • Grow just under the uterine lining (endometrium)
    • Often cause excessive menstrual bleeding, large clots, and period pain
    • Even small submucosal fibroids can significantly affect bleeding and fertility

  • Subserosal fibroids

    • Grow on the outer surface of the uterus
    • May be attached by a stalk-like structure
    • More likely to cause pressure symptoms (e.g., frequent urination, constipation) than heavy bleeding

Your Grand Rapids OB/GYN will determine the type and location of your fibroids to recommend the best treatment approach.

A myomectomy may be recommended if you:

  • Have heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding
  • Develop anemia from blood loss (common in Michigan winters when fatigue can be mistaken for “seasonal tiredness”)
  • Experience pelvic pain, pressure, or bloating
  • Have fertility issues or repeated pregnancy loss linked to fibroids
  • Have fibroids that are growing rapidly
  • Prefer to preserve your uterus and potential for pregnancy

Women in Grand Rapids may be referred to gynecologic surgeons at Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital, Trinity Health Grand Rapids Hospital, or specialized minimally invasive surgery centers for evaluation.

Pre-Operative Evaluation in Grand Rapids

Before your myomectomy, your healthcare team will perform several tests. These are typically done through your local clinic, hospital, or via referrals from your primary care provider or OB/GYN.

Imaging and Lab Tests

  • Pelvic ultrasound

    • Helps pinpoint the size, number, and location of fibroids
    • May be done at imaging centers associated with Spectrum Health, Trinity Health, Metro Health, or Mercy Health

  • Blood tests

    • Check for anemia (symptoms may include:
      • Excessive tiredness or fatigue
      • Shortness of breath with activity
      • Pale skin
      • Increased susceptibility to infections)
    • Evaluate your overall health and blood clotting

  • Urine test

    • Screens for urinary tract infections, which are important to treat before surgery

In some cases, your surgeon may also recommend MRI for detailed mapping of fibroids, especially before complex or minimally invasive procedures.

Anesthesia Assessment

An anesthesiologist will meet with you before surgery to determine the safest type of anesthesia:

  • General anesthesia (most common) – you are asleep during the procedure
  • Spinal or epidural anesthesia – sometimes used if general anesthesia is not recommended

You may receive a pre-medication injection or oral medication to help you relax and reduce secretions before surgery.

Pre-Surgery Preparation

Depending on your surgeon’s preferences and the hospital’s protocol, you may be asked to:

  • Have an enema to empty the lower bowel
  • Have a small area of pubic hair shaved
  • Avoid food and drink for a set period before surgery (usually after midnight)

In many Grand Rapids hospitals, a dilation and curettage (D&C) may be done at the start of surgery to check for abnormalities in the uterine lining.

Types of Myomectomy Procedures

The type of myomectomy recommended in Grand Rapids will depend on:

  • Size and number of fibroids
  • Location (intramural, submucosal, subserosal)
  • Your symptoms and fertility goals
  • Your overall health

1. Abdominal Myomectomy (Open Myomectomy)

In an abdominal myomectomy:

  • The surgeon makes one larger incision in the abdomen:
    • Usually a horizontal “bikini line” incision
    • Sometimes a vertical midline incision is needed for better access
  • The uterus is opened, sometimes using a laser to help control bleeding
  • Fibroids are removed, and the uterus, abdominal wall, and skin are closed with sutures

Advantages:

  • Best for multiple, large, or deeply embedded fibroids
  • Allows direct access and visibility

Disadvantages:

  • Longest recovery time of all myomectomy types
  • Typically requires a hospital stay of several days

This type of myomectomy is available at major hospitals in Grand Rapids, including Butterworth Hospital, Trinity Health Grand Rapids Hospital, and Metro Health Hospital.

2. Laparoscopic Myomectomy (Keyhole Surgery)

A laparoscopic myomectomy is a minimally invasive procedure often used for subserosal and some intramural fibroids.

  • Several small incisions are made in the abdomen
  • A laparoscope (a thin instrument with a camera) and other surgical tools are inserted
  • Fibroids are removed through the small incisions
  • Incisions are closed with sutures or surgical glue

Advantages:

  • Smaller scars
  • Less pain after surgery
  • Shorter hospital stay (often same-day or 1 night)
  • Faster recovery compared to abdominal myomectomy

Many Grand Rapids hospitals and surgical centers now offer laparoscopic myomectomy with advanced minimally invasive gynecologic surgeons.

3. Hysteroscopic Myomectomy

A hysteroscopic myomectomy is used for submucosal fibroids that project into the uterine cavity.

  • No incisions on the abdomen are needed
  • The surgeon uses a resectoscope, a type of hysteroscope with a wire loop
  • The instrument is inserted through the vagina and cervix into the uterus
  • The wire loop is placed over the fibroid
  • Electrical energy passes through the loop to cut the fibroid away
  • Fibroid tissue is removed through the vagina

Advantages:

  • No external incisions
  • Often done as a day surgery
  • Quick recovery time

Hysteroscopic myomectomy is commonly performed in outpatient surgical suites across Grand Rapids.

Immediately After Myomectomy

After surgery, you will be monitored in the recovery area and then moved to a hospital room or discharged home, depending on the procedure type.

In the Hospital

You can expect:

  • Vital signs monitoring
    • Your temperature, pulse, breathing, and blood pressure will be checked regularly
  • Vaginal discharge monitoring
    • Nurses will observe the amount and type of vaginal bleeding
  • IV fluids
    • An intravenous (IV) line may continue to provide fluids and medications, including pain relief and antibiotics to prevent infection
  • Wound care
    • You may have small tubes (drains) near the incision to remove excess fluid
  • Bladder catheter
    • A catheter may be in place to drain urine for the first day or so
  • Pain control
    • Let your nurse know if you are in pain so your medication can be adjusted

You will gradually be allowed to drink and then eat a normal diet once your doctor feels it is safe.

Early Recovery: Movement and Breathing

To reduce the risk of complications such as blood clots (a concern especially during Michigan’s colder months when people are less active), you will be encouraged to:

  • Tell your nurse as soon as you pass gas or have a bowel movement – this shows your digestive system is waking up
  • Perform breathing and coughing exercises every hour while awake
  • Do leg exercises in bed to promote circulation
  • Get out of bed and walk with assistance the day after surgery, if possible

Hospital stays after myomectomy in Grand Rapids typically range from 1–2 days for minimally invasive procedures to 5–7 days for abdominal myomectomy, depending on your recovery.

Possible Complications of Myomectomy

As with any surgery, myomectomy carries risks. These can include:

  • Heavy bleeding (hemorrhage)
  • Injury to the uterus
  • Damage to nearby urinary organs (bladder, ureters)
  • Infection
  • Blood clots in the legs or lungs
  • Scar tissue (adhesions) forming inside or around the uterus
  • Recurrence or regrowth of fibroids over time

If you experience concerning symptoms after leaving a Grand Rapids hospital, contact your surgeon or seek urgent care at a local emergency department.

Recovering at Home in Grand Rapids

Recovery time will vary based on the type of myomectomy and your overall health.

General Home Care Tips

Follow your surgeon’s instructions, which may include:

  • Rest as much as possible for the first two weeks
  • Avoid standing for long periods (more than a few minutes at a time) initially
  • Take all prescribed medications, including antibiotics and pain relievers, exactly as directed
  • Gradually increase activity:
    • After about 2 weeks (if approved by your doctor), aim for a 10-minute walk daily
    • Increase walking time slowly as tolerated

Returning to Work

  • Hysteroscopic myomectomy: Often back to work in 1–2 weeks
  • Laparoscopic myomectomy: Typically 2–4 weeks
  • Abdominal myomectomy: Usually 4–6 weeks, sometimes longer

Weather in Grand Rapids, especially in winter, can affect your recovery. Plan for:

  • Safe, non-slippery walking surfaces if you are going outside
  • Avoiding heavy lifting, snow shoveling, or strenuous activity until cleared by your doctor

When to Call Your Doctor in Grand Rapids

Contact your Grand Rapids OB/GYN, primary care provider, or seek urgent care if you notice:

  • Excessive vaginal bleeding (soaking pads rapidly or passing large clots)
  • Fever or chills
  • Redness, warmth, swelling, or increasing pain at the incision site
  • Pus-like or foul-smelling discharge from the wound
  • Severe abdominal pain that is not controlled with medication
  • Trouble urinating or painful urination
  • Shortness of breath, chest pain, or swelling in one leg (possible blood clot)

If symptoms are severe, go to the nearest emergency department in Grand Rapids, such as Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital or Trinity Health Grand Rapids Hospital, or call 911.

Fertility, Pregnancy, and Sexual Health After Myomectomy

One of the main benefits of myomectomy is that your uterus and reproductive organs are preserved.

  • You should still be able to have sexual intercourse once you are fully healed and your doctor has cleared you
  • Many women are able to conceive after myomectomy, especially when fibroids were affecting fertility

Depending on how deeply the uterus was cut and repaired:

  • Your doctor may recommend an elective cesarean section (C-section), often around 38 weeks, for future pregnancies to reduce the risk of uterine rupture during labor

Discuss your family planning goals with your Grand Rapids gynecologist before surgery so your treatment plan supports your reproductive wishes.

Limitations of Myomectomy for Heavy Bleeding

If you are considering myomectomy mainly to treat heavy menstrual bleeding, it is important to understand:

  • In about 20% of cases, myomectomy does not fully resolve heavy bleeding
  • Your heavy periods may be caused by other conditions (such as hormonal issues, bleeding disorders, endometrial problems) in addition to fibroids

Your doctor may recommend additional testing or treatments if heavy bleeding continues after surgery.

Other Treatment Options for Fibroids in Grand Rapids

Not all fibroids require surgery. Other options your Grand Rapids healthcare provider may discuss include:

1. Monitoring (“Watchful Waiting”)

If fibroids are:

  • Small
  • Not causing symptoms
  • Not growing quickly

Your doctor may recommend regular check-ups and imaging without immediate treatment.

2. Medications

Medications may help:

  • Shrink fibroids temporarily (often used before surgery)
  • Control heavy bleeding and period pain

These can include:

  • Hormonal therapies (e.g., birth control pills, IUDs, GnRH analogs)
  • Other medications to manage anemia and pain

3. Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE)

Available at some Grand Rapids hospitals, this minimally invasive procedure:

  • Blocks blood flow to fibroids, causing them to shrink
  • Is performed by an interventional radiologist

4. Hysterectomy

A hysterectomy removes part or all of the uterus and is considered when:

  • Fibroids are very large or numerous
  • You have completed childbearing
  • Other treatments have not worked

Pregnancy is no longer possible after hysterectomy. This option is available at all major hospital systems in Grand Rapids.

Local Resources in Grand Rapids, MI

If you are dealing with fibroids or considering myomectomy in Grand Rapids, you can:

  • Talk to your primary care provider or OB/GYN
  • Seek a referral to a gynecologic surgeon or minimally invasive surgery specialist
  • Use local resources such as:
    • Kent County Health Department – for information on women’s health and community resources
    • Grand Rapids Public Health programs – for screenings, education, and support services
    • Hospital-based women’s health centers at Corewell Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, and Mercy Health

Key Points About Myomectomy in Grand Rapids

  • Fibroids often cause pain and heavy menstrual bleeding, and may affect fertility.
  • Intramural fibroids are the most common type; submucosal fibroids are most strongly linked to excessive bleeding and period pain.
  • Laparoscopic (keyhole) myomectomy is an option for many subserosal and some intramural fibroids and offers faster recovery.
  • Abdominal myomectomy is usually used for larger or multiple fibroids and has a longer recovery time.
  • Hysteroscopic myomectomy treats submucosal fibroids inside the uterine cavity without abdominal incisions.
  • You will still have your uterus after myomectomy, and many women can conceive and have healthy pregnancies afterward.
  • If you live in Grand Rapids, MI, you have access to multiple high-quality hospitals, clinics, and specialists experienced in treating uterine fibroids and performing myomectomy.

Always discuss your symptoms, goals, and treatment options with a qualified healthcare provider in Grand Rapids to choose the approach that is safest and most effective for you.