A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure in which a woman’s uterus is removed, either completely or partially. It’s the second most common surgical procedure for women of childbearing age, with about 600,000 procedures performed each year. Below is a brief guide to this life-changing surgery.

What Is a Hysterectomy?

Reasons for a Hysterectomy

Hysterectomies are used to relieve or cure several medical conditions. Uterine fibroids, which can cause pain and abnormal bleeding, are one of the more common reasons doctors recommend the procedure. Uterine, cervical, and ovarian cancer are others. Additional prompts include uterine prolapse—when the uterus moves from its original position in the body—endometriosis, chronic pelvic pain, and adenomyosis, when the lining of the uterus thickens.

Hysterectomy Types

Depending on the medical condition being treated, the doctor may perform a total hysterectomy, in which they remove the entire uterus and the cervix. A supracervical hysterectomy removes only part of the uterus and none of the cervix. During a radical hysterectomy, the surgeon removes the uterus and the cervix as well as the top of the vagina and tissue surrounding the uterus. A radical hysterectomy is typically performed on patients who have been diagnosed with cancer.  

Hysterectomy Surgical Techniques

The surgeon can use one of two techniques for the procedure: open surgery or an MIP (minimally invasive procedure) hysterectomy. Open surgery is the most common technique. It requires a five- to seven-inch incision across the patient’s abdomen and a hospital stay of one or two days. An MIP hysterectomy can be laparoscopic or use an incision in the vagina to avoid visible scarring.   

If you are having chronic or unusual pelvic pain, talk to your OB-GYN. There are surgical and non-surgical treatments you can explore together. While there are risks associated with any surgery, a hysterectomy is a safe procedure, and you can expect to return to normal activity within four to six weeks.

Ogeechee OB-GYN is a highly respected women’s health clinic in Statesboro, GA, offering a comprehensive array of services to women of all ages. Their experienced doctors and staff provide quality patient care in a friendly environment. Call (912) 871-6206 or schedule your appointment online today.