Background: Uterine fibroids are a common reason for women to seek medical review, with an estimated incidence of 50-70%. Symptoms related to fibroids account for more than one third of gynaecology related admissions to hospital. Fibroids are oestrogen depended benign tumors of smooth muscle and connective tissues. Which depending on size, location and quantity can contribute to a variety of quality of life disrupting symptoms such as pain, abnormal uterine bleeding, pelvic visceral obstruction and obstetric complications1. The AGES/ RANZCOG statement, released in 2014 in response to the FDA and TGA safety alert on tissue morcellation techniques, continues to guide best practice procedures to ensure safe tissues extraction2.
Minimally invasive techniques for management of uterine fibroids have gained increased importance as it is well established that open myomectomy is associated with increased discomfort and adverse outcomes. The benefit of myomectomy over alternative techniques is the improved safety when fertility preservation is desired3.
Method: Here we present an approach to a single incision laparoscopic myomectomy utilising a containment system of manual morcellation, with a video example.
Discussion: With advances in minimally invasive surgical techniques and equipment we are able to offer and better inform women of the options for the safe and effective management of uterine fibroids, in an age where there is an increasing demand for uterine and fertility preservation3.
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