Hysterectomy
What is a hysterectomy?
A hysterectomy is the surgical removal of your uterus. In addition to the uterus, the surgeon may also remove your ovaries and fallopian tubes.
There are three types of hysterectomies:
- Total hysterectomy removes the uterus and cervix, and sometimes the ovaries and fallopian tubes
- Partial hysterectomy removes only the upper portion of the uterus
- Radical hysterectomy removes the uterus, cervix, and upper part of the vagina
A total hysterectomy is the most common.
Why would I need a hysterectomy?
Reasons you may need a hysterectomy include:
- Endometriosis, where endometrial tissue grows outside the uterus causing severe pain
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Fibroids
- Gynecological cancer, including uterine, cervical, or vaginal
- Uterine prolapse, when the uterus slips in your pelvis causing bowel or bladder problems
- Adenomyosis, tissue that lines the uterus grows in the wrong place causing pain
Surgery of any kind is never taken lightly, and the team at Pure OBGYN may recommend a hysterectomy to treat your condition if it’s the best option or more conservative treatments have failed to help your gynecologic condition.
How is a hysterectomy performed?
The different ways the team at Pure OBGYN may perform your hysterectomy include:
- Laparoscopic hysterectomy performed with a laparoscope (surgical camera) to minimize incisions
- Abdominal hysterectomy to cut through the wall of your abdomen to remove the uterus
- Vaginal hysterectomy removes the uterus through a small cut in your vagina
The doctors at Pure OBGYN prefer the laparoscopic hysterectomy to keep your hospital stay short and reduce your healing time. However, each patient is different, and your doctor develops a surgical plan that fits your specific needs.
What happens after a hysterectomy?
You may feel some discomfort and pain after your hysterectomy. Depending on the type of surgery performed, it may take anywhere from three to six weeks for you to recover from your hysterectomy.
During the recovery phase, expect vaginal discharge and bleeding. You also need to avoid sex and the use of tampons during the healing process.
In addition to the physical symptoms, many women experience depression after a hysterectomy.
No matter your symptoms, the team at Pure OBGYN are available to help you get through the procedure, both physically and emotionally.
For more information about hysterectomies, call the office or book an appointment online.
