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Reasons For Hysterectomy And What To Expect From Treatment

Reasons for Hysterectomy

Your doctor may recommend a hysterectomy as treatment for a wide variety of conditions, some of which are listed below. While hysterectomies may sometimes be absolutely necessary, in many cases symptoms can be treated with less invasive options. Make sure you explore alternative treatment options with your doctor.

*Fibroids – benign or noncancerous growths inside the uterus.

*Heavy periods – also known as menorrhagia, cause pain, fatigue and disruption to your quality of life.

*Endometriosis – a condition where tissue that normally resides in the uterus appears in other parts of the abdomen.

* Pelvic support problems/prolapse – a condition, in which the uterus drops out of its normal position, causing women to urinate more frequently, and often avoid sex and limit their movements because of pain.

Some uterine and cervical cancers may be treated with hysterectomy or with other treatment methods.

Speak Up About Your Hysterectomy Choices

If you and your doctor have determined that hysterectomy is the best course of action for your symptoms, make sure you talk through your choices of procedure. Today’s less invasive hysterectomy options, like laparoscopic or vaginal, can help you significantly reduce hospital and recovery times, and minimize scarring and pain afterwards.

Talk to your doctor about which organs need to be removed, too. Some research suggests keeping your cervix after hysterectomy may reduce the risk of pelvic floor prolapse and preserve sexual function. A laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy offers a less invasive alternative to traditional abdominal hysterectomy and allows you to retain your cervix. Learn more about laparoscopic hysterectomy.

What to Expect from Treatment

Having a hysterectomy is a big decision in any woman’s life, one that calls for careful research and partnering with your doctor. Luckily, hysterectomies are usually an elective surgery, which may give you a little extra time to weigh your options and ask your doctor questions.

For many women facing a hysterectomy, laparoscopic hysterectomy offers a less invasive option than traditional hysterectomy methods, with shorter hospital and recovery times, and less pain and scarring afterwards.

During The Procedure

During a laparoscopic hysterectomy, your doctor inserts a thin, lighted telescope-like instrument called a laparoscope and other small surgical instruments into the body through 3 to 4 tiny incisions, each less than a quarter-inch long. The laparoscope acts like a video camera, guiding the surgeon as he or she carefully removes the uterus through one of the openings. During laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy (LSH), the cervix (the bottom part of the uterus) is left intact.

After The Procedure

You can expect to have some pain or discomfort immediately following a laparoscopic hysterectomy, which should decrease over the next several days. Oral pain relievers should usually relieve this pain. Talk to a doctor if any of your postoperative symptoms concern you.

Because a laparoscopic hysterectomy does not require the surgeon to make a large abdominal incision, it’s a much less invasive procedure than traditional methods of hysterectomy. Most patients spend 1 day or less in the hospital and only 6 days of recovery time. Patients also experience minimal scarring and pain, compared to more traditional hysterectomy methods.

Read more articles about Hysterectomy:
- Hysterectomy Overview
- Know Your Hysterectomy Options
- Vaginal Hysterectomy
- Laparoscopic Hysterectomy

Click here to check your symptoms:
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Click here to download questions to ask your doctor: http://www.pelvichealthsolutions.com/hysterectomy-laparoscopic-supracerv...
Click here to find a doctor in your area who can perform this procedure:
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