What serious complication should the CST prepare for when assisting on a myomectomy?

During a myomectomy, which is a surgical procedure to remove uterine fibroids, one of the most significant complications that can arise is hemorrhage. This is primarily due to the highly vascular nature of the uterus and the presence of numerous blood vessels around the fibroids. When fibroids are excised, there is a risk of significant bleeding, which can lead to hypovolemic shock if not managed appropriately.

The surgical team must be prepared to handle potential blood loss through careful monitoring and management of the patient's hemodynamic status. Blood products may need to be readily available, and strategies such as using surgical techniques to minimize blood loss and employing ligatures or hemostatic agents may be employed.

While other complications such as infection, respiratory distress, and cardiac arrest may also occur in the surgical context, they are less common during a myomectomy compared to hemorrhage, which poses an immediate threat to the patient's stability and requires prompt action. Therefore, preparation for the possibility of significant bleeding is critical in ensuring patient safety during and after the procedure.