Hysterectomy

What is a hysterectomy?

A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure that removes your uterus, or womb. After the removal of your uterus, you’re no longer able to get pregnant. 

There are different types of hysterectomies:

Total hysterectomy

During a total hysterectomy, your OB/GYN removes your uterus and cervix.

Partial hysterectomy

During a partial hysterectomy, also called a supracervical or subtotal hysterectomy, your OB/GYN only removes the upper part of your uterus, leaving your cervix in place. 

Radical hysterectomy

During a radical hysterectomy, your OB/GYN removes your uterus, cervix, surrounding tissues, and the upper part of your vagina. 

Why would I need a hysterectomy?

The team at Advanced Obstetrics & Gynecology, LLC, discusses in detail why you need a hysterectomy. However, surgery is rarely the first recommended treatment for any gynecological condition. 

Only after conservative medical treatments fail to improve your symptoms or quality of life or your life is in danger, is a hysterectomy suggested. 

Some of the common gynecological conditions that benefit from a hysterectomy include:

• Recurrent uterine fibroids
• Endometriosis
• Chronic pelvic pain
• Uterine prolapse
• Gynecological cancer
• Adenomyosis

The team also only recommends a hysterectomy if you have no future pregnancy plans. 

What surgical techniques are used to perform a hysterectomy?

The surgical experts at Advanced Obstetrics & Gynecology, LLC, use several surgical techniques to perform a hysterectomy. The surgical methods include:

Abdominal hysterectomy

The abdominal hysterectomy is a traditional surgical procedure that requires a large incision through your abdomen to gain access to your uterus and remove the tissue. 

Laparoscopic hysterectomy

A laparoscopic hysterectomy is a minimally invasive surgical option that uses small incisions and a laparoscope (surgical camera) to remove your uterus. When possible, the team at Advanced Obstetrics & Gynecology, LLC uses this surgical technique to reduce incision size, pain, and shorten your recovery.

Vaginal hysterectomy

During a vaginal hysterectomy, your surgeon makes a small incision through the wall of your vagina to gain access to your uterus and remove it. 

What can I expect after a hysterectomy?

You may experience some pain after your hysterectomy, as well as vaginal bleeding and discharge for several weeks. Recovery from your hysterectomy may depend on the type of procedure used to remove your uterus. 

Following a laparoscopic hysterectomy, your recovery time may range from 3-4 weeks, while it may take 4-6 weeks to recover from an abdominal hysterectomy. 

To schedule a surgical consultation with the experts at Advanced Obstetrics & Gynecology, LLC, to discuss your hysterectomy, call the office or book an appointment online today.