What is a hysterectomy?

A hysterectomy is the surgical removal of your uterus. Your uterus, or womb, is where the baby grows during pregnancy. Every month, endometrial tissue grows inside your uterus in anticipation of pregnancy. When you don’t get pregnant, your body sheds this lining through your period.

Following a hysterectomy, you can no longer get pregnant and you no longer get your period.

When do I need a hysterectomy?

Your OB/GYN at Bay Area Physicians for Women explains when you might need a hysterectomy. They may recommend the procedure if medical interventions fail to alleviate symptoms from a gynecological condition. 

Common reasons women get a hysterectomy include:

• Fibroids
• Endometriosis
• Uterine prolapse
• Abnormal bleeding
• Chronic pelvic pain
• Gynecological cancer

However, your OB/GYN only performs a hysterectomy if you have no future pregnancy plans. 

What are the types of hysterectomies?

During a hysterectomy, your OB/GYN may remove your uterus along with other parts of your reproductive system, such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or cervix. The structures removed during your hysterectomy determine the type, such as:

Total hysterectomy

For a total hysterectomy, your surgeon removes your uterus and cervix.

Supracervical hysterectomy

During a supracervical hysterectomy, your surgeon removes only the upper part of your uterus and none of the cervix.

Radical hysterectomy

A radical hysterectomy is the removal of your uterus, cervix, ovaries, and fallopian tubes. For gynecological cancer, this surgery also includes the removal of the upper portion of the vagina and the surrounding lymph nodes.

What surgical techniques are used to perform a hysterectomy?

Bay Area Physicians for Women uses many techniques when performing a hysterectomy. These techniques include:

Vaginal hysterectomy

During a vaginal hysterectomy, your surgeon removes your uterus through an incision in your vagina. This is the least invasive approach and has the fastest recovery, as soon as four weeks.

Laparoscopic hysterectomy

A laparoscopic hysterectomy is a minimally invasive surgery that uses a laparoscope — thin tube with a light and camera — to see and remove the uterus. 

For this procedure, your OB/GYN surgeon makes small incisions in your abdomen and inserts the laparoscope. Then, they make additional small incisions to insert the surgical instruments needed to remove your uterus.

Robotic hysterectomy

Robotic hysterectomy is a more advanced minimally invasive surgery that combines laparoscopic techniques with robotic technology.

Abdominal hysterectomy

An abdominal hysterectomy is a traditional open procedure that involves making an incision through your abdomen to gain access to the uterus to remove it. 

Your OB/GYN uses the technique that gives you the best outcomes.

To find out more about a hysterectomy, call Bay Area Physicians for Women or schedule a consultation online today.