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Hysterectomy Overview

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Overview: Hysterectomy

Did you know that 600,000 hysterectomies are performed in the United States every year – but in most cases, their symptoms could be treated with less invasive options, such as global endometrial ablation, or a myomectomy? Exploring all your options with your doctor can help you minimize pain, scarring, hospital and recovery times – while getting the treatment you need.

Rarely is a hysterectomy an emergency surgery. There is usually considerable time to research and explore alternatives for discussions with your doctor. Take the time to understand your condition and all the treatment options available to you.

If hysterectomy is still your best treatment option, you may have choices as to how your hysterectomy is performed. Today, there are several types of hysterectomies, including less invasive procedures that reduce hospital and recovery times as well as minimize scarring, compared to traditional procedures. Learn about the different types of hysterectomy and why hysterectomies are performed.

Why undergo a major surgery like hysterectomy if it’s not necessary? Learn more about your options and discuss them with your doctor. You may also find a second opinion helpful.

Types of Hysterectomy

A hysterectomy is the surgical removal of all or part of the uterus, or womb. The doctor may also remove the fallopian tubes, ovaries and/or the cervix during the same surgery. He or she may use one of the following terms to help describe the organs removed during surgery:

*A supracervical hysterectomy removes the uterus but leaves the cervix in place, which some research suggests may reduce the risk of pelvic organ prolapse and preserve sexual function. This is sometimes referred to as “partial hysterectomy.”

* Total or “traditional” hysterectomy removes the uterus and cervix.

A radical hysterectomy may remove all of these organs (the uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes, ovaries), plus the pelvic lymph nodes.

There Are 3 Different Ways To Perform Hysterectomies:

* Abdominal (also known as Open): this hysterectomy method requires a 4- to 8-inch horizontal incision below the belly button to remove the uterus and cervix and, in some cases, other organs.

The most invasive kind of hysterectomy, this type is performed under general anesthesia, with a typical hospital stay of 3-6 days and up to 6 weeks of recovery time.

* Vaginal: this hysterectomy method uses a smaller incision inside the vagina to remove the uterus and other organs, as determined by your doctor. This incision is not visible externally. Vaginal hysterectomies usually require a 1-3 day hospital stay and up to 4 weeks’ recovery time.

* Laparoscopic: with this hysterectomy method, a thin, lighted, telescope-like instrument called a laparoscope along with small surgical instruments are inserted through 3 to 4 tiny incisions in the navel and abdomen to detach and remove the uterus. There are different types of laparoscopic hysterectomies. Based upon your clinical need, your doctor might perform a laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy (LSH), allowing you to keep your cervix, or a total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH).

Unlike more traditional methods, laparoscopic hysterectomy usually requires only 1 day or less in the hospital and only 6 days of recovery time. Patients also experience less scarring and pain compared to other hysterectomy methods.