Wednesday’s case involved a young woman with infertility issues caused by uterine fibroid(s). From imaging and various labs, her condition was officially diagnosed as presence of a uterine fibroid, pelvic pain, and anemia. This patient needed a myomectomy, which is a procedure solely to remove uterine fibroids. Typically, when a woman has fibroids, she has a hysterectomy with ovarian preservation rather than a myomectomy. This is because fibroids are typically not an issue for women past the age of childbearing, and no longer need their uterus, only their ovaries. This particular patient was in her early thirties and has been unable to get pregnant for years. After making a midline incision, the fibroid rested directly on the top of her uterus, impacting her endometrial cavity and blocking ovarian egg release. It’s no wonder the patient has been unable to get pregnant!
In addition to observing surgery, my mentor and I discussed my Final Product. Dr. Heffernan is very creative and likes big ideas, and he told me about this incredible idea he had last week that I could turn into my project! More to come on this idea as it develops. My next mentor visit will most definitely yield more progress and brainstorming.
