Hysterectomy Surgical Procedure

A hysterectomy surgical procedure is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of the uterus and other reproductive organs will be removed (if necessary). Hysterectomy surgical procedures are the second most common type of surgery performed in the United States.

There are three basic types of hysterectomy surgical procedures: vaginal hysterectomy, abdominal hysterectomy, and laparoscopic-assisted vaginal. The type of hysterectomy that is best for you depends on the situation and size of the problem.

The abdominal hysterectomy surgical procedure is the most common hysterectomy performed. With an abdominal hysterectomy, the surgeon will make an incision in the abdomen through which the uterus and other reproductive organs (if necessary) will be removed. An abdominal hysterectomy also requires a longer recovery time.

With a vaginal hysterectomy surgical procedure, the incision is made near the top of the vagina. Once the incision has been made, the surgeon can then cut free and remove the uterus through the vagina. With a vaginal hysterectomy, there will be no exterior scar like there would be with an abdominal hysterectomy. A vaginal hysterectomy also requires less recovery time than an abdominal surgery. However, if you have large fibroids or need more than just the uterus removed, the vaginal hysterectomy is not possible.

In certain instances, a laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy surgical procedure may be necessary. When performing a vaginal hysterectomy, it may be difficult for the surgeon to see the uterus. In such cases, a laparoscope can be used by the surgeon to assist in the surgery. A laparoscope is a slender tube with a tiny camera that is inserted through a small incision in the abdomen. The surgeon uses small tools inserted through other small incisions to perform any necessary cutting and tying of blood vessels, fallopian tubes, and ligaments. The uterus is then removed through a small incision just above the vagina. A laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy can only be performed by very skilled surgeons.

A hysterectomy surgical procedure is the usual treatment for women with uterine, ovarian, or cervical cancer; severe endometriosis; fibroid tumors that are causing bleeding and other complications; or heavy, uncontrollable vaginal bleeding. Like all operations, a hysterectomy surgical procedure is on that should be considered carefully.

© 2007 - 2009 Armity A. Simon, M.D. Obstetrics and Gynecology

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