Hysterectomy Specialist

What is a hysterectomy?

A hysterectomy is a surgery where the whole uterus, or just part of it may be removed. Hysterectomies can either be partial which is the removal of just the upper part of the uterus; a total hysterectomy where the entire uterus and cervix are removed; and a radical hysterectomy which removes uterus, the tissue on both sides of the cervix, and the upper part of the vagina.

Hysterectomies may be performed either through an incision in the abdomen or the vagina. Depending on your medical history, your doctor will help you decide which type of hysterectomy is best suited for your needs. This can include any of the following surgeries:

• Abdominal hysterectomy: The surgeon makes a 5-inch to 7-inch incision in the lower part of your belly. The cut may be vertical or go across your belly horizontally, just above your pubic hair.
• Vaginal hysterectomy: The surgeon makes a cut in your vagina. Your uterus will be taken out through this cut. The cut in your vagina will be closed with stitches.
• Laparoscopic hysterectomy: A laparoscope is a narrow tube with a tiny camera on the end. Your surgeon will make 3 to 4 small cuts in your belly. The laparoscope and other surgical instruments will be inserted through the other cuts. Your uterus will be cut into smaller pieces, that your surgeon will remove through the small incisions.
• Laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy: Your surgeon will remove your uterus through a cut inside your vagina. Your surgeon will also insert a laparoscope and other instruments into your belly through 2 or 3 small cuts.

Why is the procedure is performed?

There are many reasons a woman may need a hysterectomy. But, there may be ways to treat your condition that do not require this major surgery. Your condition may be helped with less invasive surgery. Talk with your doctor about your treatment options. After having their uterus removed, many women will notice changes both in their body and in how they feel about themselves. Talk with your doctor, your family, and your friends about these possible changes before you have surgery. Hysterectomy may be recommended for:

• Tumors in the uterus, like uterine fibroids
• Cancer of the uterus, most often endometrial cancer
• Cancer of the cervix of or a precancerous condition of the cervix called carcinoma in situ of the cervix
• Cancer of the ovary
• Endometriosis, when your pain is severe and other treatments have not helped
• Severe, long-term (chronic) vaginal bleeding that cannot be controlled by medicines
• Prolapse of the uterus. A prolapsed uterus slips down into the vagina.
• Adenomyosis. This condition occurs when the tissue that lines the uterus grows inside the walls of the uterus.
• Chronic pelvic pain
• Complications during childbirth, like bleeding that cannot be controlled

After the Procedure

The average hospital stay depends on the type of hysterectomy you had. Most women qualify for a Laparoscopic Hysterectomy, and also qualify for a 6 to 23 hour admission. When a hysterectomy is done because of cancer, the hospital stay is often longer.

You will be given pain medicine after surgery intravenously, and pills. You may also have a catheter in your bladder for several hours to pass urine. You will be asked to get up and move around as soon as possible. This will help keep blood clots from forming in your legs and will help you avoid other problems as you recover. Complete recovery may take 2 weeks to 2 months.