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The leiomyoma is visualized inside the
uterus which is distended with 32% dextran
70. Because it has grown on a pedicle,
it is essentially floating in the distention
media suspended by its stalk. The stalk
contains the blood supply of the tumor.
The loop of the resectoscope can be seen
in the foreground at the internal os of
the cervix and the myoma in the background.
The endometrium appears atrophic because
the patient was treated preoperatively
with a GnRH agonist to diminish the size
of the myoma and, as a result, decrease
the operating time. Long term GnRh agonist
therapy is not recomended because of the
hypoestrogenic side effect of bone loss
with long term treatment. If bleeding
occurs despite the electocoagulation technique
and GnRH agonist pretreatment, a balloon
catheter can be inserted into the endometrial
cavity postoperatively to tamponade the
bleeding sites. It can be deflated several
hours after surgery, and removed if the
bleeding has ceased.
The myoma is released by progressive
shaving of the stalk. The loop of the
resectoscope is placed at the most distant
portion, and current is applied as the
resectoscope is drawn toward the surgeon.
Current should never be applied when the
direction of the resectocope is moving
away from the surgeon to avoid perforating
the uterus with the risk of damage to
the organs adjascent to the uterus.
The stalk of the myoma is all that remains,
and it is shaved with the cautery only
as the instrument is withdrawn toward
the surgeon. The Chester forceps were
used to remove the myoma from the cavity.
Hemostasis is assured, and
the operation is complete. Possible complications
of myomectomy can include blood loss,
fever, ileus, anemia, pain, late intestinal
ostruction, infertility, recurrence, possible
need for hysterectomy, cesarean section,
and subsequent surgery.

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