Hysterectomy
…is surgery to remove the uterus and fallopian tubes.
…in most case, your ovaries do not need to be removed and they will continue to function normally until you go through menopause.
Many patients choose a hysterectomy after they have exhausted all other treatment options.
However, it’s not uncommon to wait to have a hysterectomy until you’re finished having children. Because any hysterectomy involves surgical removal of the uterus, you can no longer become pregnant after a hysterectomy.
In most case, your ovaries do not need to be removed and they will continue to function normally until you go through menopause.
Some gynecological conditions that may be treated with a hysterectomy include:
- severe endometriosis
- uterine fibroids
- uterine prolapse
- cancer of the uterus or other nearby reproductive organs
- abnormal uterine bleeding
- chronic pelvic pain
- Family History or Genetic Predisposition to Female Cancer
Some women may choose to have elective surgery to remove their uterus, ovaries, and/or fallopian tubes if they are at high risk for cancer.
If you have a strong family history of cancer, or you are a member of another high-risk group, talk with one of our gynecologist about elective cancer risk-reduction surgery.
NO NEED TO PUT YOUR LIFE ON HOLD FOR WEEKS TO RECOVER
Minimally Invasive Laparoscopic Hysterectomy
Total laparoscopic hysterectomy is a minimally invasive alternative to the traditional approach to hysterectomy.
The advantages of minimally invasive hysterectomy include:
- Smaller incisions: Smaller incisions mean less tissue damage, reduced scarring, and a quicker recovery time.
- Shorter hospital stay: Patients often experience shorter hospital stays compared to open surgery and typically return to their normal activities sooner. With our minimally invasive approach, often you can leave the same day as surgery and recover in the comfort of your own home.
- Faster recovery: The reduced trauma to surrounding tissues allows for faster healing and less post-operative pain.
- Reduced risk of complications: Minimally invasive techniques can lower the risk of infection and other complications associated with open surgery.
- Improved cosmetic outcome: Smaller incisions result in minimal scarring.
At County Obstetrics & Gynecology, our surgeons work together to perform your surgery.
Because of the experience of our surgeons, virtually all the hysterectomies we perform use this minimally invasive approach.
Having two experienced surgeons offers significant advantages such as safer surgery, less blood loss, reduced surgical time, less time under anesthesia, all of which typically leads to a quicker recovery and return to normal activities.,
- Of course, the eligibility for a minimally invasive hysterectomy depends on various factors, such as the patient’s medical history, the size and condition of the uterus.
- Women who have very large uteruses or who have pelvic adhesions, may not be able to have this type of surgery.
- It’s possible that the surgeon may begin the hysterectomy with one method, but then change methods if they find existing complications.
| Our Minimally Invasive Hysterectomy | Open Abdominal Hysterectomy |
Duration of Surgery | 1 Hour | 1-2 Hour |
Number/Size of Incisions | Four/ 5mm long | One/ 5 to 7 inches long |
Length of Hospital Stay | None/overnight | 3 days |
Recovery Time | 1 week | 6 to 8 weeks |
What to Expect during the Procedure
- Laparoscopy is performed under general anesthesia.
- Once you are asleep, an exam will be performed and a uterine manipulator will be placed to help mobilize the uterus. At the same time a catheter will be placed to drain the bladder.
- An incision is made typically on the lower border of your umbilicus or belly button.
- A specialized instrument is placed through the incision into the abdominal cavity.
- The abdomen is then filled with carbon dioxide, expanding the area and optimizing visualization of the organs.
Ports are then placed, usually at the umbilicus and above the pubic bone through which the laparoscope and additional specialized instruments are placed.
What are the Risks of a Hysterectomy?
Hysterectomy, like all surgical procedures, involves some risk. Our gynecological surgeons take great precautions to keep risks as low as possible.
As with all types of surgery, a hysterectomy can sometimes lead to complications.
Short-term risks of hysterectomy are usually mild, minimal, and occur in the first 30 days after surgery. They may include:
- Blood loss and the risk of blood transfusion
- Damage to surrounding areas, like the bladder, urethra, blood vessels, and nerves
- Blood clots in the legs or lungs
- Infection
- Side effects related to anesthesia
- The need to change to an abdominal hysterectomy from one of the other techniques
Hysterectomy has a rare long-term risk of pelvic prolapse, which is the stretching or dropping of pelvic organs into an abnormal position. Women with many prior abdominal surgeries or a history of pelvic prolapse or pelvic relaxation may be at higher risk for developing pelvic prolapse again.
If you are contemplating hysterectomy, consider a minimally invasive approach. Schedule a consultation with one of our physicians at County Obstetrics & Gynecology, because your health and time are among your most important possessions.
We are dedicated to providing you with the highest quality care, guiding you through each step of your surgical experience, and ensuring your journey is as smooth as possible.
In the hands of our experienced surgical team at County Obstetrics and Gynecology, your well-being and comfort are our top priorities.