Hysterectomy

What is a hysterectomy?

A hysterectomy involves the removal of your uterus and, sometimes, other surrounding reproductive organs.

The type of hysterectomy you need depends on your condition and symptoms. Women usually receive one of the following:

Partial hysterectomy

During this procedure, your doctor removes the upper part of your uterus. They leave your cervix in place but, sometimes, removal of the ovaries occurs.

Total hysterectomy

A total hysterectomy involves the removal of your entire uterus and cervix. In some cases, your doctor removes the ovaries and fallopian tubes, too.

Radical hysterectomy

During a radical hysterectomy, your doctor removes the uterus, cervix, tissue around the cervix, and upper part of the vagina. They also sometimes remove the ovaries and fallopian tubes. Usually, doctors reserve a radical hysterectomy for cases of cervical or uterine cancer.

Do I need a hysterectomy?

When certain health conditions fail to respond to more conservative treatments, the doctors at Lucina Women's Health recommend a hysterectomy. Conditions that may warrant the procedure include:

• Fibroids
• Endometriosis
• Uterine prolapse
• Cervical or uterine cancer
• Unspecified/abnormal uterine bleeding

The team reviews all of your treatment options before recommending a hysterectomy. Sometimes, however, it’s the best course of treatment.

What is a minimally invasive hysterectomy?

The team at Lucina Women's Health uses the latest in minimally invasive techniques to perform a hysterectomy. Minimally invasive techniques, which include small incisions and tiny instruments, are preferable to conventional open surgery because they result in:

• Less pain
• Reduced scarring
• Faster recovery

Your doctor carefully considers your situation and health history to determine whether a vaginal or abdominal approach is the best way to remove your uterus and any additional organs. Each approach has pros and cons, which they review with you in detail.

How long is recovery from a hysterectomy?

If you undergo a minimally invasive hysterectomy, you go home the same day to recover from the procedure. Expect to spend one night in the hospital following a conventional open-surgery hysterectomy. Upon discharge, you receive full aftercare instructions to aid in your continued recovery.

It usually takes 1-2 weeks to recover from a minimally invasive hysterectomy or up to six weeks to fully recover and resume all of your regular activities after a conventional hysterectomy. The type of hysterectomy you underwent, your particular healing path, and your lifestyle all dictate exactly when you can resume work and specific activities.

To learn more about whether a hysterectomy is the right course of treatment for you, call Lucina Women's Health, or book a consultation online.