Types and Procedures of Hysterectomies
Apr 18, 2022Photo by Thirdman on Pexels
Hysterectomies are typically performed to treat cancer, chronic pain, or heavy bleeding that has not been controlled with less invasive methods.
Depending on your condition, your surgeon will remove some or all of your uterus and possibly additional parts of your reproductive system. After a thorough assessment of your situation, your doctor will determine the procedure that is best for you.
Types of Hysterectomies
Complete Hysterectomy
This type of hysterectomy involves the removal of both the uterus and the cervix. The majority of women undergoing hysterectomies have a complete or total hysterectomy.
Total Hysterectomy
Total hysterectomy is the most common type of hysterectomy. The uterus and your cervix are removed, but not your ovaries.
Total Hysterectomy with Bilateral Salpingo-Oophorectomy
This is when both the ovaries and the fallopian tubes are removed during a hysterectomy. The hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy are both done during one procedure and will remove the uterus, cervix, ovaries, and fallopian tubes.
Partial (Subtotal) Hysterectomy
This type of hysterectomy involves the removal of the upper two-thirds of the uterus and leaves the lower third of the uterus, the cervix, intact. Women who have never had an abnormal Pap smear result may be candidates for this type of hysterectomy. Some believe a partial or subtotal hysterectomy helps to reduce sex-related concerns. It can be performed laparoscopically or abdominally.
Radical Hysterectomy
During a radical hysterectomy, the uterus, the cervix, the top portion of the vagina, and the supporting tissues are removed, and sometimes the pelvic lymph nodes. A radical hysterectomy may be an option in certain cases of cancer.
Hysterectomy Procedures
A hysterectomy can be done through the vagina, the abdomen or with laparoscopy.
Vaginal Procedure - the uterus is removed through a small incision inside the vagina, with no abdominal incisions. This minimally invasive technique generally causes fewer complications, less pain, and faster recovery than open procedures. It is usually the first choice unless there are reasons for using the more invasive procedures, such as adhesions or a large uterus. You should have a shorter healing time and return to your usual activities than with the other types of hysterectomy.
Abdominal Procedure - also referred to as open surgery - the uterus is removed through a large abdominal incision. Sometimes this incision is along the hairline, similar to a C-section incision. Other times, it runs up and down on the abdomen. This surgery gives the surgeon the best view of what is going on in your pelvis. The drawbacks are there is a greater risk of complications compared with less-invasive procedures. These risks include infection, bleeding, clots, damage to nerves and tissues and longer recovery time.
Laparoscopic Procedure - is minimally invasive using a laparoscope. Several thin instruments and a tiny video camera attached to a telescope are inserted through multiple small incisions in the abdomen. The advantages are that there is often less pain, less risk of infection, and less recovery time. But there is still a risk of injury to the urinary tract and other organs.
Hysterectomies are generally safe, but problems can occur as is the case in any necessary surgery.
Surgery may be the best option for you and I want you to be informed so you can make the best decision for your body and be calm and confident before, during and after the procedure.
That is why I created the Pelvic Surgery Success Program.
Pelvic Surgery Success is a one-of-a-kind program that will take you from feeling depressed, anxious, and consumed by fear of surgery to informed, confident and calm so you can put your nagging symptoms behind you and get back to living life with spontaneity and joy!
