The History of Myomectomy

摘要

Until the 1920s, the “gold standard” treatment for uterine fibroids was hysterectomy. It was not until Bonney published an article in 1925 describing 220 abdominal myomectomies that myomectomy was introduced and began to become integrated into established medicine, gaining popularity as a primary treatment for uterine fibroids. The objective of the present article is to review the development of myomectomy from a historical perspective, beginning with the techniques found in initial abdominal myomectomies and concluding with the laparoscopic and hysteroscopic techniques that are in common practice today. Three major advances in laparoscopic myomectomy—(1) electronic power morcellation, (2) robotic assistance, and (3) barbed suturing—are discussed. There is also an indepth look at the literature supporting these advances in surgical technique as options for all gynecologists, regardless of specialty training, to offer minimally invasive myomectomy to patients. Finally, the historical perspective and development of alternatives to surgical management are discussed. (J GYNECOL SURG 37:454)