Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) Practice Exam

What type of fibroids are indications for an abdominal myomectomy?

1. Subserosal or intramural fibroids

2. Pedunculated fibroids

3. Intravaginal fibroids

4. Submucosal fibroids

The correct answer is: Subserosal or intramural fibroids

Subserosal or intramural fibroids are indeed the types of fibroids typically indicated for an abdominal myomectomy. Abdominal myomectomy is a surgical procedure specifically designed to remove uterine fibroids while preserving the uterus, and it is most effective for fibroids that are located on the outer wall of the uterus (subserosal) or within the muscular wall of the uterus (intramural). Subserosal fibroids can cause pressure symptoms and other complications such as pain or discomfort, while intramural fibroids can lead to menorrhagia, pelvic pain, and can also affect fertility. The abdominal approach allows for a greater exposure and treatment of these types of fibroids, making them ideal candidates for this type of surgery. In contrast, while pedunculated fibroids can also be removed surgically, they often may not require an abdominal myomectomy and can sometimes be removed laparoscopically. Intravaginal fibroids are not common in the classification of fibroids, as they refer more to pathological conditions outside the typical fibroid categories. Submucosal fibroids, while also treatable with myomectomy, are usually addressed via a different approach, such as hysteroscopic myom