A swollen, tender or bloated belly after an abdominal myomectomy worries many people. Some soreness and swelling are common while you heal, but certain signs need a call to your surgeon. This guide explains what is usually expected and how to know the difference.
What is an abdominal myomectomy?
Myomectomy removes fibroids while keeping the womb. “Abdominal” (open) myomectomy uses a cut in the lower tummy, while other approaches use keyhole surgery or go through the vagina. Which is suitable depends on the number, size and position of the fibroids (NHS: fibroid treatment; ACOG). Recovery is generally longer after open surgery than after keyhole surgery; see myomectomy recovery week by week.
Commonly expected after surgery
- Soreness around the wound and lower tummy that gradually improves.
- Swelling or a bloated belly. Tissue swelling, wind and constipation (from reduced movement and some painkillers) can all make the tummy look and feel larger for a while.
- Tiredness and needing more rest than usual.
- Light vaginal bleeding or discharge for a period of time; your team will tell you what to expect.
Things that often help
- Follow the pain-relief plan your team gave you rather than adding medicines on your own.
- Short, gentle walks as advised, which help wind and circulation.
- Fibre and fluids to avoid constipation; ask your pharmacist or team about laxatives.
- Supporting the wound with a pillow when you cough or move, if your team advises it.
Warning signs: contact your surgeon or seek urgent care
- Pain that is getting worse instead of better, or is severe.
- Fever or chills.
- Redness, heat, swelling, pus or opening of the wound.
- Heavy bleeding, for example soaking through a pad in an hour, or passing large clots.
- A swollen, painful or red calf, chest pain or sudden breathlessness (seek emergency care).
- Vomiting so that you cannot keep fluids down, or being unable to pass urine or stools.
- A hard, rapidly enlarging, very tender tummy.
Questions to ask before you leave hospital
- What level of swelling and pain should I expect, and for how long?
- Which painkillers and laxatives are right for me?
- When can I shower, drive, exercise and return to work?
- Who do I call, and at what times, if I am worried?
Comparing surgical options? See myomectomy vs hysterectomy and questions to ask your surgeon.
Read next If you want to understand the hormonal side of this, how estrogen drives fibroid growth — and what shifts it.