Hysterectomies are the second-most common non-emergency surgical procedure performed on women of reproductive age. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that every year, 600,000 American women receive the procedure. But what exactly is a hysterectomy and what can it treat? To help answer these questions, the specialists at Ogeechee OB-GYN in Statesboro, GA address a few important things to know.

A Quick Guide to Hysterectomies

What Is a Hysterectomy?

For the most part, this procedure refers to the surgical removal of the uterus. There are three types of hysterectomies that may be performed to remove specific parts of the reproductive system:

• Partial: Only the uterus is removed.
• Total: Both the uterus and the cervix are removed.
• Radical: The upper vagina, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and the surrounding tissues are removed, in addition to the cervix and uterus.

When Is a Hysterectomy Recommended?

A hysterectomy is a potential treatment option for a variety of women’s health conditions. Most commonly, women will undergo the procedure as a treatment for uterine fibroids, endometriosis, or cancer of the uterus, cervix, or ovaries. It may also be a last-resort treatment option for uterine prolapse, persistent vaginal bleeding, or reoccurring pelvic pain.

How Is the Procedure Performed?

There are several different ways that a hysterectomy can be performed, depending on the reason for treatment and the type of procedure the patient needs. Most often, women receive the standard open-abdominal surgery, in which an incision is made along the bikini line to perform the process. In other cases, tissues will be removed through the use of a laparoscope, or robotic surgical tool.

What Is Recovery Like?

The amount of downtime needed can vary based on the type of procedure. For example, women who receive traditional abdominal surgery will need to stay hospitalized for a few days, followed by six to eight weeks of recovery. By comparison, laparoscopic and robotic surgeries generally require less downtime, even though they require more time in surgery.

What Are the Effects of a Hysterectomy?

The removal of the uterus means that a woman can no longer become pregnant and will no longer menstruate. If estrogen-producing ovaries are removed, patients may begin menopause after the procedure, but estrogen supplements can delay this if necessary.

Women in Statesboro, GA, looking for more information about hysterectomies can turn to the doctors at Ogeechee OB-GYN. Established in 1966, this clinic has become a recognized resource for people looking for assistance with women’s health issues. These gynecology specialists are focused on making treatment as precise and as comfortable as possible within a compassionate and welcoming environment. Visit this provider online to learn more about their services or call (912) 871-6206 to schedule a convenient consultation.