Hysterectomy

What is a hysterectomy?

A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure that’s medically necessary to treat a serious condition or a disease of your uterus. During a hysterectomy, depending on your illness or condition, your doctor may remove your entire uterus plus your ovaries and Fallopian tubes. Additionally, you may need to have your cervix removed, as is sometimes the case with certain types of uterine cancers.  

Sometimes you need a hysterectomy only to remove your uterus, so you keep the rest of your reproductive organs. Hysterectomies are highly individualized procedures based on your needs. Your doctor discusses all treatment options with you, so you can make an informed decision as to how to proceed.

What are the different types of hysterectomies?

You can get a total, partial, or radical hysterectomy. During a total hysterectomy, your doctor removes all of your uterus, including your cervix. You may or may not keep your ovaries and Fallopian tubes as part of a total hysterectomy.

During a partial hysterectomy, your doctor removes just the upper portion of your uterus, leaving your cervix in place. You may or may not keep your ovaries with a partial hysterectomy, depending on your individual circumstances.

A radical hysterectomy removes your:

• Entire uterus
• Cervix
• Tissue surrounding the cervix
• Upper part of your vagina

Your doctor typically only performs a radical hysterectomy to treat cervical or uterine cancer. You may or may not keep your ovaries or Fallopian tubes during a radical hysterectomy, based on your health needs.

How do you perform a hysterectomy?

The doctors at OB/GYN Specialists perform hysterectomies using robotic, minimally invasive procedures. This allows them to make just a few small incisions in your abdomen, rather than making a large incision across your lower stomach. Your doctor inserts small surgical instruments through the tiny incisions and robotically manipulates the instruments to remove your uterus.

After robotic surgery, you typically only have to stay in the hospital one night. Although it may take up to six weeks to fully recover, you may have less pain, minimal scarring, and a lower risk of complications than with open surgery.

To learn if robotic surgery is right for you or to discuss your concerns regarding the different types of hysterectomies, call the office to schedule an appointment, or book one using the convenient online scheduling tool.