During a hysterectomy, your uterus is removed and sometimes the fallopian tubes and ovaries are as well.  There are several types of hysterectomies, including:

• partial hysterectomy, in which the upper part of your uterus is removed.  Your cervix is left in place.  Sometimes the ovaries are removed.
• total hysterectomy, which involves the removal of your entire uterus and cervix. Sometimes the ovaries are also removed.
• radical hysterectomy, which removes the uterus, cervix, tissue around the cervix, and upper part of the vagina. The ovaries and fallopian tubes are removed, too. Usually, a radical hysterectomy is reserved for cases of cervical or uterine cancer.

Your symptoms and condition determine exactly what type of hysterectomy you undergo and which surgical approach your doctor will take.

While many conditions can be treated conservatively with medications or devices, sometimes surgery is recommended.  Some conditions treated by hysterectomy include:

• persistent  abnormal uterine bleeding
• chronic pelvic pain
• fibroids
• endometriosis
• uterine prolapse
• cervical or uterine cancer

The physicians at Alliance Obstetrics & Gynecology Group will review all of your treatment options with you before resorting to a hysterectomy, but sometimes a hysterectomy is the best treatment option available.

Dr. Worley and Dr. Silva prioritize using minimally invasive techniques to perform a hysterectomy.  Minimally invasive techniques, such as laparoscopy and vaginal surgery, are usually superior because they result in less pain, reduced scarring, less blood loss, and a faster recovery.  Sometimes, however, an incision across the lower pelvis (known as an abdominal hysterectomy) is needed.  Depending on your situation, your physician can determine which surgical approach will be best for you.

While most of our hysterectomies can be performed as an out patient, some patients choose to spend 1 or 2 nights in the hospital, depending on if it was abdominal (like a c-section incision) or minimally invasive (laparoscopic or vaginal). Every woman is different, but it usually takes about between 2 and 6 weeks to fully recover. During this time, certain work and activity restrictions may apply. The physicians at Alliance Obstetrics & Gynecology will review your post-operative instructions before your surgery is even scheduled so you can plan accordingly. Your personal healing path, type of hysterectomy, and lifestyle habits dictate when you can resume work and activity.