The procedure to remove your uterus is complicated and requires highly skilled expertise. Board-certified gynecologists at Contemporary Women’s Care offer hysterectomy in Orlando services with a difference to provide you with the best care and fast recovery.
What hysterectomy means
A hysterectomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure to remove your uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, or cervix.
The purpose of a hysterectomy
A hysterectomy may be done to treat conditions such as:
- Gynecologic cancer
- Endometriosis
- Uterine fibroids
- Uterine prolapse, which is a sliding of the uterus from its normal position into the vaginal canal
- Abnormally heavy vaginal bleeding
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Adenomyosis
Different types of hysterectomy procedures
Hysterectomy procedures can be:
- Total
A total hysterectomy involves the complete removal of the uterus and cervix. It may also require getting rid of your fallopian tubes and ovaries.
- Partial (supracervical)
A partial hysterectomy involves the removal of the upper part of the uterus, leaving the cervix intact. Your care provider might also remove your ovaries if necessary.
- Radical
A radical hysterectomy is used to treat cervical cancer and eliminate all your reproductive organs, including tissues from the upper part of the vagina.
What to expect after a hysterectomy procedure
If your ovaries are removed during a hysterectomy, you will experience menopausal symptoms immediately.
Your care provider will recommend avoiding heavy lifting and suggesting abstinence from sex for at least six weeks after the procedure.
Surgical approaches to a hysterectomy
Different surgical hysterectomy techniques depend on your surgeon’s expertise. The techniques differ in the reproductive parts removed, recovery time, and level of scarring.
There are two common approaches to surgery, which include:
- Abdominal Hysterectomy
An abdominal hysterectomy requires open surgery and is the most common technique used for hysterectomies.
The procedure involves making a small incision across the belly to create a passage for the surgeon to remove the uterus.
After abdominal surgery, you will be required to stay in the hospital for a few days. The surgery usually leaves a visible scar at the point of the incision.
- MIP Hysterectomy
MIP hysterectomies involve different approaches, including;
- A vaginal hysterectomy, where the surgeon makes an incision in the vagina. The incision is closed after the uterus has been removed, leaving no visible scar.
- Laparoscopic hysterectomy, where a tube with a lighted camera laparoscope) is inserted through several small incisions made in the belly. The surgeon is usually guided by images relayed by the camera on a computer monitor.
- Laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy where laparoscopic tools are inserted in the belly to remove the uterus through an incision in the vagina.
- Robot-assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy, where the surgeon uses advanced technology to perform complex and precise movements through a robotic system to remove the uterus.
Risks associated with having a hysterectomy
A hysterectomy is major surgery and poses risks such as:
- Urinary incontinence
- Vaginal prolapse
- Formation of vaginal fistula
- Chronic pelvic pain
- wound infections
- Blood clots
- Heavy bleeding
Your menstrual periods usually stop after a hysterectomy. However, if your ovaries are not removed, menopausal symptoms will delay but begin earlier than the average woman.
To learn more about hysterectomies, call Contemporary Women’s Care to book an appointment.
