Women’s experiences of birth and birth options counselling after laparoscopic or open myomectomy

Abstract

There is emerging evidence that vaginal birth after open and laparoscopic myomectomy may be safe in many pregnancies, however, there are no studies examining the perspectives of women who have given birth post myomectomy and their preferences regarding mode of birth. We performed a retrospective questionnaire survey of women who had an open or laparoscopic myomectomy followed by a pregnancy within 3 maternity units in a single NHS trust in the UK over a 5-year period. Our results revealed only 53% felt actively involved in the decision making for their birth plan and 90% had not been offered a specific birth options counselling clinic. Of those who had either a successful trial of labour after myomectomy (TOLAM) or elective caesarean section (ELCS) in the index pregnancy, 95% indicated satisfaction with their mode of birth however, 80% would prefer vaginal birth in a future pregnancy. Whilst long term prospective data is required to fully establish the safety of vaginal birth after laparoscopic and open myomectomy, this study is the first to explore the subjective experiences of women who had given birth post laparoscopic or open myomectomy and has highlighted the inadequate involvement of these women in the decision-making process. IMPACT STATEMENT What is already known on this subject? Fibroids are the commonest female solid tumours in women of childbearing age with surgical management including open and laparoscopic excision techniques. However, the management of a subsequent pregnancy and birth remains controversial with no robust guidance on which women may be suitable for vaginal birth. What do the results of this study add? We present the first study to our knowledge which explores women’s experiences of birth and birth options counselling after open and laparoscopic myomectomy. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? We provide a rationale for using birth options clinics to facilitate an informed decision-making process and highlight the current inadequate guidance for clinicians on how to advise women having a pregnancy following a myomectomy. Whilst long term prospective data is required to fully establish the safety of vaginal birth after laparoscopic and open myomectomy, this needs to be carried out in a way which promotes the preferences of the women affected by this research.