Uterine Fibroid Tumors Dictionary

laparotomy: Also called an abdominal myomectomy, this procedure is often exploratory as it involves a wide incision in which the surgeon can insert hands and instruments as needed and, due to the extended recuperation required, is performed only if absolutely necessary.

laparoscopc myomectomy: A less invasive procedure using a laparoscope for removal of pedunculated subserosal fibroids with entry through the navel.

laparoscopic myomectomy with mini-laparotomy: A combination procedure that is still less invasive, generally with incisions smaller than three inches that allows for the extraction of larger subserosal fibroids.

laparoscopic assisted vaginal myomectomy (LAVM): Procedure using laparoscopic instruments entering through a vaginal incision to remove subserosal tumors.

laparoscopy: A less invasive procedure than traditional "open" surgeries that often incorporate multiple smaller "keyhole" incisions in which specialized instruments are used to inspect, repair and remove tissue and organs.

magnet resonance guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS): A combined, non-invasive surgical procedure that incorporates an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) to guide focused ultrasound waves that destroy targeted internal tissue. Especially useful in uterine fibroid treatment.

menorrhagia: Extended and often excessive bleeding during a menstrual cycle and commonly caused by submucous fibroids.

metrorrhagia: A condition of unusual and sometimes heavy bleeding that occurs at midpoint or other unexpected times during the monthly cycle and often leads to anemia.

myolysis: A surgical method of destroying (ablating) fibroids through the use of laparoscopic instruments to eliminate the blood supply to a tumor through hot, cold or electrical applications.

myoma: Also called fibroids, benign tumors or uterine fibroids that are generally solid and fibrous in structure and capable of causing a range of symptoms and, sometimes, none at all.

myomectomy: The general term for surgical removal of fibroids. May be performed as an open procedure (abdominal myomectomy), laparoscopically or with the use of a resectoscope (hysteroscopic myomectomy).