What Are the Various Types of Hysterectomies?
While advances in gynecological treatment can often provide alternatives to a hysterectomy today, some situations still require the removal of the uterus. A hysterectomy is a way of treating 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 a partial, also called a supracervical, in which the uterus is removed but the cervix is left in place. It can also be a total hysterectomy, in which the entire uterus, including the cervix, is removed.
Our practice offers several methods of hysterectomies, with the choice of procedures dependent on your specific circumstances. Here’s a brief description of each:
Vaginal Hysterectomy – Through this procedure, the uterus is removed through incisions in the vagina. There is no scarring of the abdomen, because the incision is inside the vagina. A patient must be a candidate for this particular procedure. For example, if you have an enlarged uterus, the vaginal hysterectomy may not be possible.
Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy – Most of our hysterectomies are done through this procedure. This is a great benefit to our patients, since the recovery time is greatly reduced. Patients 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 this procedure, a small light-transmitting device called a laparoscope is inserted into the abdomen through a small incision. This is done so your 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, and the uterus and cervix are removed through the vagina.
Laparoscopic Supracervical Hysterectomy - If minimizing your recovery period is very important, or the risk of infection is of particular concern, we provide the laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy. With this procedure, the cervix stays in place, but the body of the uterus is removed with a scope and other instruments inserted through small incisions in the abdomen. The ovaries can be removed or left in place with this type of hysterectomy as well. 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 some more difficult cases. The uterus is removed through an incision in the lower abdomen. The incision can be vertical or horizontal. This option requires a hospital stay and the longest recovery time of all hysterectomy types.
There is much information to absorb and decisions to be made when you’re considering a hysterectomy. We’re here to discuss the best choices for your particular situation.
