Hysterectomy Specialists

What is a hysterectomy?

A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure to remove a woman’s uterus. Hysterectomies can be performed to treat a number of chronic pain conditions, as well as certain types of cancer and infections. During most hysterectomy procedures, the entire uterus is removed, but the extent of a hysterectomy can vary depending on the reason for the surgery. The fallopian tubes and the ovaries may also be removed during the procedure. Once a hysterectomy has been performed, the patient will stop having menstrual periods and be unable to get pregnant.

Why Is a hysterectomy performed?

A hysterectomy might be necessary for a number of different reasons. The doctor may suggest a hysterectomy if the patient has any of the following:

• chronic pelvic pain
• uncontrollable vaginal bleeding
• cancer of the uterus, cervix, or ovaries
• fibroids, which are benign tumors that grow in the uterus
• pelvic inflammatory disease, which is a serious infection of the reproductive organs
• uterine prolapse, which occurs when the uterus drops through the cervix and protrudes from the vagina
• endometriosis, which is a disorder in which the inner lining of the uterus grows outside of the uterine cavity, causing pain and bleeding
• adenomyosis, which is a condition in which the inner lining of the uterus grows into the muscles of the uterus

How Is a hysterectomy performed?

There are different types of hysterectomies, such as a partial where the doctor removes only a portion of the uterus, or a total hysterectomy when the doctor removes the entire uterus, including the cervix. A hysterectomy is performed with general or local anesthetic then, depending on the type of hysterectomy needed, the procedure will be performed. The types of hysterectomies include:

• Abdominal Hysterectomy - The doctor removes the uterus through a large cut in the abdomen.
• Vaginal Hysterectomy - The uterus is removed through a small incision made inside the vagina.
• Laparoscopic Hysterectomy - During a laparoscopic hysterectomy, the doctor uses a tiny instrument called a laparoscope. The instrument is inserted through incisions in the abdomen where the uterus is cut into small pieces.