Hysterectomy

When might I need a hysterectomy?

For most gynecological conditions, a hysterectomy is the last treatment considered after you’ve undergone all other options. There are some exceptions, however.

Hysterectomy may be your first and best option if you have cancer of the uterus, cervix, or ovaries.

The noncancerous gynecological conditions that may necessitate a hysterectomy include:

• Uterine fibroids: noncancerous growths in the uterine wall
• Endometriosis: uterine tissue grows outside the uterus
• Uterine prolapse: pelvic floor muscles weaken, allowing the uterus to drop down
• Abnormal uterine bleeding: heavy or unusually long menstrual periods
• Adenomyosis: tissue that lines the uterus grows into the muscular uterine wall

Are there different types of hysterectomies?

Dr. Mills has years of experience performing several types of hysterectomies. The type of surgery used is based on each woman’s underlying condition:

• Total hysterectomy: removal of the entire uterus and cervix
• Partial hysterectomy: upper part of the uterus is removed and the cervix stays in place
• Radical hysterectomy: entire uterus, cervix, and the upper part of your vagina are removed

Dr. Mills may also remove one or both of your ovaries and fallopian tubes during a hysterectomy if needed.

How is my hysterectomy performed?

Dr. Mills works closely with each patient, explaining the options and then choosing the type of surgery that’s best for each woman’s individual health care needs.

There are several ways to perform a hysterectomy, including:

Abdominal hysterectomy

This is traditional open surgery using a 5-7 inch incision in your lower abdomen.

Laparoscopic hysterectomy

Dr. Mills specializes in laparoscopic hysterectomy and uses this method whenever possible because it’s a minimally invasive procedure. Laparoscopic surgery is done using specialized instruments contained in long, narrow tubes, that are inserted through a few very small incisions.

Laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy

During this procedure, your uterus is removed through your vagina, but the procedure is assisted by laparoscopic tools inserted through your abdomen.

What are the advantages of laparoscopic hysterectomy?

The small incisions used during a laparoscopic, or minimally invasive, hysterectomy cause much less trauma to your body than open surgery does. As a result, you gain several important health advantages, such as:

• Less postoperative pain
• Minimal blood loss
• Fewer complications
• Quicker recovery
• Minimal scarring
• Usually an outpatient procedure

Even if your laparoscopic hysterectomy is done in the hospital, you’ll spend less time as an inpatient than patients getting an abdominal hysterectomy to do.

If you have a condition that may need a hysterectomy, call Mills Obstetrics & Gynecology or book an appointment online, so you can learn about your surgical options.