Hysterectomy

What is a hysterectomy?

A hysterectomy is a gynecological surgery to remove organs within the pelvis involved in reproduction. A hysterectomy may be performed as a:

• Partial hysterectomy
• Simple total hysterectomy
• Radical total hysterectomy

A partial hysterectomy removes just the upper part of your uterus, and sometimes your ovaries. A simple total hysterectomy is the surgical removal of your uterus and cervix. It may include your:

• Ovaries
• Fallopian tubes
• Lymph nodes

A radical total hysterectomy typically removes many of the same organs and structures as a simple total hysterectomy but includes the upper portions of your vagina.

After a hysterectomy, you can’t become pregnant. You’ll stop getting your period, and may have menopausal symptoms if your doctor removes your ovaries during surgery.

Why do I need a hysterectomy?

Your provider at Southern Crescent Women's HealthCare generally recommends a hysterectomy when you have one of the following conditions:

• Uterine fibroids: Noncancerous growths causing pain or heavy bleeding
• Heavy or unusual vaginal bleeding: Due to cancer, infection, or fibroids
• Uterine prolapse: When your uterus slips down into the vagina
• Endometriosis: Endometrial tissue growing outside your uterus
• Adenomyosis: Uterine tissue growing where it shouldn’t, causing severe pain and heavy bleeding

Your doctor also recommends a hysterectomy to treat cancer in your uterus, cervix, ovary, or endometrium.

What are the types of hysterectomies? 

If you need a hysterectomy, your Southern Crescent Women's HealthCare provider discusses the different types of hysterectomy surgeries.

Open surgery

Your doctor makes a long incision from your pubic bone to just above your navel. The surgery is performed through the incision. Your recovery takes 4-6 weeks.

Vaginal hysterectomy

Your provider makes a small cut in your vagina to minimize scarring. They perform the surgery with laparoscopic devices and remove your uterus through your vagina. Your recovery time is about 3-4 weeks.

Laparoscopic hysterectomy

Your doctor makes a few small incisions in your stomach. They use a tiny camera and long instruments to perform the surgery. Your recovery time is 3-4 weeks.

Da Vinci robotically assisted surgery

Da Vinci surgery requires about five small incisions around your stomach area. During surgery, your doctor sits at a console next to you. They operate using tiny instruments, while a camera provides a high-definition, 3D magnified view inside your body. Your recovery takes 3-4 weeks.

To learn more about your options for a hysterectomy, call Southern Crescent Women's HealthCare today or book a consultation online.