Why removal of more tumors with FAS vs. open abdominal myomectomy?

How does your surgical method manage to remove more tumors than a myomectomy? My doctors did not recommend hysterectomy but instead recommended open abdominal myomectomy. They said a laser would be available to remove any endometriosis if found. They also said they would evaluate the cavity, search the entire uterus for other fibroids and remove them, check the fallopian tubes to see if they are patent, and remove any cysts on the ovaries. This seems quite thorough. Would your method be any better? I am in my early 40s, want children and have a 6cm (posterior) intamural fibroid.

Dear Jamie-
I am pleased to see that there are other physicians that are willing to address multiple female issues. We are not aware of many.
FAS differs in the surgical techniques used to reconstruct the uterus and ovaries. We also do not only use lasers for endometriosis-I use them in the uterus with fibroid removal to reduce tissue damage in sensitive areas and prevent re-occurence. During our many years in practice, we have never turned a patient away based on tumor size or number, and have never had to transfuse a patient.
We also do not consent for possible hysterectomy with any of our patients.
Good Luck with your surgery.

Please help me! I was scheduled to have a myomectomy late June. However, I was informed by my doctor today that she wants me to take the lupron shot first to shrink the tumors. I have four. One is the size of a grapefruit are about 5 to 6 cm (according to my ultrasound last year).
What should I do? Go ahead and have the surgery without the lupron shots or wait until I’ve taken the shots for three months to see if the fibroids have shrunk? I teach school and the summer is the perfect time for me to recuperate. I am so confuse and fed up. I want children but my doctor is telling me that she want know whether or not to perform a hysterectomy until she goes in. I do not want a hysterectomy. Please help me. Do you know of any doctors in the tidewater area (virginia) who use FAS procedures. I am 35 and desperate.

Dear Tracey-
You are far too young to have a hysterectomy.
I do not recommend Lupron shots for women-the side effects of the chemical hormone manipulation can be very untoward.
Chances are, you have many more tumors than the ones on the ultrasound…if you want children you need to have the tumors removed but keep your uterus. I would ask your doctor if she plans to consent you for a “possible hysterectomy.” If so, do not proceed unless you have accepted the fact that you may wake up without your uterus!!!
We do not remove the uterus when doing our FAS procedure, and we never use Lupron.Unfortunately, you would need to come to California if you are interested in the surgery;it is not performed anywhere else in the country.
Good Luck