What Are the Various Types of Hysterectomies?
While today’s advances in gynecological treatment can often provide alternatives to a hysterectomy, some situations still require the removal of the uterus. Hysterectomy is one way to treat problems that affect the uterus. Reasons for a hysterectomy can include the following:
- Uterine fibroids
- Endometriosis
- Pelvic support problems (such as uterine prolapse)
- Abnormal uterine bleeding
- Cancer
- Chronic Pelvic Pain
A hysterectomy can be partial, also called a supracervical hysterectomy, by which the uterus is removed but the cervix is left in place. In a total hysterectomy the entire uterus, including the cervix, is removed.
Vaginal Hysterectomy – During this procedure the uterus is removed through incisions made in the vagina. This type of hysterectomy does not scar the abdomen because the incision is made inside the vagina. Not all patients are viable candidates for a vaginal hysterectomy. For example, a vaginal hysterectomy may not be possible when a patient has an enlarged uterus.
Laparoscopic Assisted Vaginal Hysterectomy & Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy –Most of the hysterectomies that Dr. Morrison performs utilize laparoscopic technology. This is a great benefit to patients because recovery time is greatly reduced. Patients who undergo laparoscopic hysterectomies typically leave the hospital in less than 24 hours. Most are able to drive within two weeks and return to work in three to four weeks.
During a laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy or total laparoscopic hysterectomy, a small light-transmitting device called a laparoscope is inserted into the abdomen through a small incision. This is done so that the pelvic organs can be viewed on a screen during surgery. Additional, small incisions are made in the abdomen to allow for the insertion of other surgical instruments during laparoscopic vaginal hysterectomies.
Laparoscopic Supracervical Hysterectomy - When minimizing the recovery period is important or the risk of infection of particular concern, Dr. Morrison usually performs a laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy. During this procedure the cervix stays in place, but the body of the uterus is removed with a scope and other instruments that are inserted through small incisions in the abdomen. The ovaries can be removed or left in place with this type of hysterectomy. Patients typically leave the hospital in less than 24 hours. Most can drive and return to work within a week.
Abdominal Hysterectomy –This is the traditional way of performing hysterectomies and is still required in more difficult cases. During abdominal hysterectomy the uterus is removed through an incision in the lower abdomen. The incision can be vertical or horizontal. This kind of hysterectomy requires a hospital stay and recovery time for the procedure is longer than for other types of hysterectomies.
There is an abundance of information to consider and important decisions must be made when patients are considering a hysterectomy. Dr. Morrison and his staff are available to talk about the options that are be best for your particular situation.
Robotic-Assisted Hysterectomy – Dr. Morrison is trained to perform robotic-assisted hysterectomy using the da Vinci® Surgical System, a new, robot-assisted technology that provides a minimally-invasive surgical solution to a number of gynecologic problems. The da Vinci Surgical System can be used to treat endometriosis, heavy uterine bleeding, uterine prolapse or gynecologic cancer.
Da Vinci® Robotic Surgery is an advanced, highly-effective method of surgery that is performed through very small incisions. Some gynecologic conditions can be treated with the da Vinci® System by reaching the targeted area vaginally, which can eliminate the need for any incision. Da Vinci® Robotic Surgery can result in significantly less pain, fewer potential complications, a shorter hospital stay and a faster return to normal daily activities. If you are considering a hysterectomy, talk to Dr. Morrison about robotic-assisted hysterectomy and whether the da Vinci® Surgical System would be a good option for you.
