Higher Risk of Wound Complications but No Clinically Significant Increase in Operative Time for Smokers Receiving Myomectomy for Uterine Fibroids

Abstract

Myomectomy is a common procedure to remove uterine fibroids. Smoking impacts outcomes across various surgeries; however, may limit fibroid growth. We sought to determine if smoking impacts myomectomy for uterine fibroid removal outcomes. Patients with and without a history of tobacco smoking receiving a myomectomy for uterine fibroid removal were compared. Compared to patients with no history of tobacco smoking, tobacco smokers had a significantly increased risk of wound complications. No other variables analyzed demonstrated a clinically significant difference. Future research is needed to examine how different frequency of tobacco smoking impacts outcomes.

Keywords: myomectomy; tobacco smokers; uterine fibroids; wound complications.