Analysis of clinical, biological and obstetric factors influencing the decision to perform cesarean myomectomy

Abstract

Objectives: Myomas in pregnancy are associated with a significantly higher risk for cesarean section (CS). Cesarean myomectomy (CM), i.e. myomectomy during cesarean section, has been the source of much debate and was considered relatively contraindicated for many years. However, some authors advise to perform routine myomectomy during CS. The aim of our study was to determine factors influencing the intraoperative decision to perform CM. Material and methods: A total of 185 patients with uterine myomas, who delivered by caesarean section during a 5-year period, were included in the study - 102 patients underwent CM (study group) and 83 women underwent CS without myomectomy (control group). Clinical and obstetric data were recorded and processed for analysis. Using non-parametric correlation methods, we investigated the influence of different variables on the decision to perform CM. Results: No differences were recorded between the two groups in terms of parity, fetal presentation, gestational age, number of previous laparotomies, and previous myomectomy, presence of diabetes and hypertension, indications and type of CS. Significant differences were detected in type and location of the myomas, contrary to their number and size, where no significant differences were registered. Conclusions: The most significant predictors of CM included age, surgical experience and type of myomas. CM is generally performed by experienced surgeons and in younger women. Also, it is more often performed in patients affected by pedunculated and subserosal myomas, and less frequent in case of intramural and multiple myomas.