This meta-analysis examined data from 2160 patients who underwent laparoscopic myomectomy for uterine leiomyoma. The researchers looked at various patient characteristics to see which ones were linked to the fibroids coming back during follow-up periods of more than 12 months.
The study found that having a large fibroid before surgery was a strong predictor of recurrence. Specifically, a preoperative fibroid size of 10 centimeters or greater was associated with a higher risk. Similarly, a uterine size larger than 10 or 14 weeks and having two or more fibroids were also linked to an increased chance of the condition returning.
Other factors like age, body mass index, or future pregnancy plans did not show a statistically significant connection to recurrence in this analysis. The study provides a reference for clinicians to identify high-risk groups before surgery. However, the authors note there is no clear consensus on long-term follow-up data for this condition. Readers should understand these findings show associations rather than proving direct causes.