Hysterectomy Specialist

What is a hysterectomy?

A hysterectomy is surgery to remove the uterus and cervix (the opening to the uterus). There are several types of hysterectomies, including:

Vaginal hysterectomy 

Vaginal hysterectomy involves removal of the uterus and cervix through an incision in the vagina. This route, while less common than others, is widely regarded as the safest method of hysterectomy. 

Vaginal hysterectomy may not be right for women with an enlarged uterus or large uterine fibroids. And, if you need other procedures at the same time as your hysterectomy, you may need a laparoscopic approach instead. 

Laparoscopic hysterectomy

A total laparoscopic hysterectomy uses tiny abdominal incisions to remove the uterus and cervix through either the abdomen or the vagina. A laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy removes only the uterus, leaving the cervix intact. 

Laparoscopic hysterectomies often use robotic assistance (robotic-assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy). In robotic-assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy, surgeons guide robotic arms to perform the procedure. 

Hysterectomies remove the uterus or both the uterus and the cervix. Some women need other procedures along with the hysterectomy, such as fallopian tube and ovary removal. 

If you need a hysterectomy due to pelvic organ prolapse, you may need specific additional procedures to restore your anatomy and repair your bladder, rectum, or vaginal opening.

Surgeons often perform other procedures at the same time as a hysterectomy.

Why might I need a hysterectomy?

There are many reasons for hysterectomy, and each surgeon at Valley Urogynecology Associates has their own surgical specialties. All of the surgeons perform a hysterectomy for pelvic organ prolapse. Other possible indications include:

• Endometriosis
• Uterine fibroids
• Uterine cancer
• Adenomyosis
• Heavy uterine bleeding
• Vaginal bleeding
• Abnormal Pap smears
• Essure® complications 

In certain circumstances, severe cases of pelvic pain may be treatable with hysterectomy. But, Valley Urogynecology Associates recommends other approaches for chronic pelvic pain.

Am I a good candidate for hysterectomy?

If you have a condition that warrants uterus removal and don’t plan to give birth again, you could be a good candidate for hysterectomy. You need to be in good general health to undergo hysterectomy as well. 

What is hysterectomy recovery like?

After a hysterectomy, you’ll need six weeks of pelvic rest (no intercourse). You must also wait six weeks for any heavy lifting (anything over 15 pounds). Because Valley Urogynecology Associates uses highly advanced minimally invasive surgical techniques whenever possible, recovery is usually easy.

To learn more about hysterectomy, call Valley Urogynecology Associates or click on the provided link now.