Hysterectomy

What is a Hysterectomy?

A hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus. While traditionally hysterectomies were performed in open incision surgeries and 3-4 days was spent in the hospital afterwards, the doctors at Southeast Urogyn now perform hysterectomies in minimally invasive laparoscopic procedures or with “incision-less” vaginal techniques whenever possible – and you can go home the same day.

Women have hysterectomies for a wide variety of conditions and health issues, including:

• Abnormal or heavy vaginal bleeding
• Uterine fibroids with pain and bleeding
• Endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain
• Adenomyosis or the thickening of the uterus
• Uterine prolapse: when the uterus slides from its correct position into the vaginal canal
• Cervical, uterine, or ovarian cancer

What Is Laparoscopic Surgery?

Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive form of surgery performed with the use of a laparoscope. A laparoscope is a long slender tube with a video camera mounted on the end. The surgeon makes a few small incisions in the patient’s abdomen and uses the laparoscope to see inside the body. The surgeon uses specially designed long thin instruments to perform the procedure inside the body. Throughout the surgery, carbon dioxide inflates the abdomen so that the surgeon has room to room to work and can see the area clearly. Laparoscopy offers a number of benefits to the patient including quicker recovery, less risk of infection, and less scarring.

What Is a Vaginal Hysterectomy?

During a vaginal hysterectomy, the doctor surgically removes the uterus through the vaginal cavity without having to make any incisions in the patient’s abdomen. The surgeon will detach the uterus from the upper vagina, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and the blood vessels and connective tissue that hold it in place. It is then removed through the vaginal opening. This technique involves a quicker recovery time and has reduced risks compared to other forms of hysterectomy.

What Should I Expect Following the Hysterectomy?