Proudly Part of Privia Health
Hysterectomy
A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure performed to remove a woman’s uterus. There are many different reasons why a woman would need to have a hysterectomy, which means there are different types of hysterectomies that can be performed. This means that it is possible for a woman to have a partial hysterectomy, which means that she will still have her cervix.
A full hysterectomy is a surgical procedure that removes the entire uterus as well as the cervix. A radical hysterectomy involves surgery that removes the entire uterus as well as additional tissues located on the sides of the uterus, the cervix and the top part of the vagina.
According to the National Women’s Health Network, for women of reproductive age, hysterectomies are the second most performed procedure in the U.S.
Signs that a Hysterectomy May be Necessary
There are a few more common signs that can let a woman knows that she may be in need of a hysterectomy, which includes but is not limited to:
- Experiencing continual bleeding, severe bleeding or postmenopausal bleeding
- Being diagnosed with other reproductive problems
- Having lived with ongoing reproductive related problems for most of their life
Traditional Surgery vs MIP Surgery
Today’s options include two different methods for performing a hysterectomy, a direct result of the new and improved medical advances now available.
Traditional surgery
Traditional surgery is also called open surgery and is currently the most common type of surgery performed on women who need a hysterectomy. The process requires a medical professional to make a large incision in the abdominal area so that the uterus can be removed. The total time for recovery is anywhere between six and eight weeks.
MIP surgery
MIP surgery is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that can be used in a few different ways. A laparoscopic hysterectomy requires a few small incisions to be made in the abdominal area and uses a laparoscope, a special surgical tool that includes a camera on the end, to perform the surgery.
A vaginal hysterectomy requires a small incision to be made inside the vagina so that the uterus can be removed through this small incision. A robot-assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy is also an option and allows a medical professional to use an advanced robotics system to perform the surgery. The total time for recovery is anywhere between three and four weeks.
Why Might a Woman Need to Have the Procedure?
There are many reasons why a woman may need to undergo this surgical procedure, with some women wanting to have the procedure performed so they no longer have to continue experiencing their specific medical issues. Below are some of the more common reasons:
- Fibroids
- Endometriosis
- Uterine prolapse
- Cervical cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer
- Uncontrolled vaginal bleeding despite using other forms of treatment
- Chronic pelvic pain that does not respond to other forms of treatment
Is a Hysterectomy in Your Near Future?
Is a hysterectomy possibly in your near future? If you are currently experiencing medical issues in your reproductive organs that are causing you to experience discomfort, pain or more, the only way for you to know exactly what is happening is to call us now to make an appointment. Once you find out the reason behind your medical issues you will no longer have to experience the uncertainty you feel right now.