The risk of uterine rupture after myomectomy: a systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis

Abstract

Fibroids may give rise to specific obstetrical complications such as pain due to degeneration, fetal malpresentation, or placenta previa. For all these reasons, surgical resection of the fibroid may be indicated before a pregnancy is pursued. The occurrence of a uterine rupture is a rare but severe complication of myomectomy. This study seeks to review the risk of uterine rupture during pregnancy and/or labor after laparoscopic myomectomy in comparison with laparotomic myomectomy. A systematic search of the literature through search strategies in MEDLINE (PubMed) and Embase (Embase.com) from January 1970 up to March 2013 was performed. We used the following MeSH terms and free text words: gynecologic surgical procedures, gynecologic surgery, leiomyoma, fibromyoma, fibroids, myoma, uterine tumors, and pregnancy complication. Our data show that the risk of uterine rupture during labor and delivery is low (0.75 %). Compared with traditional open myomectomy, the risk of uterine rupture during pregnancy is not significantly higher after a laparoscopic approach (P = 0.119). More elective cesarean sections are performed after laparoscopic myomectomy compared with the conventional open technique (P = 0.001). Our conclusions are supported by statistical pooling of observational studies of generally low methodological quality. The risk of uterine rupture after myomectomy is low (0.75 %). The available evidence in the literature does no allow discouraging attempts for childbirth per viam naturalem after previous myomectomy, regardless of the technique used. Randomized studies are needed before definitive evidence-based recommendations can be given.