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Read MoreUnderstand how hysterectomy can alleviate your symptoms and what to expect when you have this procedure. Our seasoned gynecologic surgeons can ensure your well-being every step of the way.
A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure that removes the uterus. This procedure treats a range of health conditions, including uterine fibroids, endometriosis, adenomyosis, chronic pelvic pain and certain types of cancer affecting the uterus, cervix or ovaries.
For many, a hysterectomy relieves symptoms that haven't responded to other treatments. These symptoms may include heavy menstrual bleeding, severe pelvic pain, pressure on the bladder or bowel and complications related to uterine prolapse. Depending on your health needs, your doctor may recommend different hysterectomy procedures.
During a hysterectomy, the surgeon removes part or all of the uterus through the abdomen or vagina, sometimes using minimally invasive techniques like laparoscopy or robotic-assisted surgery. The approach depends on factors like the reason for surgery, uterus size, and medical history. In laparoscopic procedures, small instruments and a camera are inserted through tiny incisions for precision. Robotic-assisted surgery further enhances precision, reducing recovery time, pain, and complications. Your care team will discuss the best approach for your health and well-being.
A total hysterectomy surgically removes the entire uterus, including the cervix.
A radical hysterectomy involves removing the uterus, cervix, upper part of the vagina and surrounding tissues, often for treating gynecologic cancer.
A supracervical hysterectomy, or partial hysterectomy, removes the upper part of the uterus, leaving the cervix intact. Your doctor may recommend this procedure for conditions where cervix preservation is possible.
In addition to removing the uterus, this procedure also removes one or both ovaries and the fallopian tubes. Your doctor may recommend this procedure to treat or prevent conditions like ovarian cancer or severe endometriosis.
Before the procedure, you'll meet with your care team to discuss preparation, including tests or medications you may need beforehand. Your doctor will administer anesthesia before the procedure begins to ensure you're comfortable throughout. Depending on the type of hysterectomy, the operation can take up to a few hours.
During the procedure, your surgeon carefully separates the uterus from the surrounding tissues and blood vessels before removing it from the body. In laparoscopic hysterectomy, small instruments and a camera are inserted through tiny incisions in the abdomen, allowing the surgeon to perform the procedure with precision while minimizing trauma to surrounding tissues.
After surgery, you'll stay in the hospital for monitoring and pain management. With minimally invasive surgery, can often go home the same day. Recovery time varies but often involves a few weeks of rest and avoiding heavy lifting or strenuous activity. Your doctor will provide personalized guidance for managing pain, caring for incisions and resuming normal activities. Your care team will help you schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your healing and discuss your concerns.
Like any surgical procedure, a hysterectomy carries risks and potential complications. Risks include infection, bleeding and damage to surrounding organs such as the bladder or bowel. There's also a possibility of developing blood clots or experiencing adverse reactions to anesthesia. Long-term complications may include changes in urinary function, pelvic pain and, if the ovaries are removed, hormonal changes leading to early menopause. Your doctor will discuss these risks in detail and take steps to minimize them during and after surgery.
The extent to which a hysterectomy affects hormone production and menopausal symptoms depends on whether your ovaries were removed during the procedure. If your ovaries are left intact, your hormonal balance may remain unchanged. However, if your ovaries were removed, menopause can happen abruptly, leading to symptoms such as hot flashes, mood changes and vaginal dryness. Your doctor may discuss options like hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to manage these symptoms if necessary.
Since a hysterectomy surgically removes the uterus, it will result in the inability to become pregnant. If the ovaries are also removed, it could potentially affect sexual desire or vaginal lubrication. For many, sexual function can remain unchanged or even improve after a hysterectomy, especially if the procedure relieves pain or discomfort that previously affected intimacy. Your doctor can discuss any potential changes and ways to manage them. Quite often, hormonal effects of removing your ovaries can be treated with different types of medication.
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