Vaginal Hysterectomy

A vaginal hysterectomy is a very common solution to many problems that can occur in women. A hysterectomy 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.

Hysterectomy is the second most common surgical procedure performed in the United States. Abdominal and vaginal hysterectomy are the two specific types of surgery that can be used.

With a vaginal hysterectomy, 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.

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.

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

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