There are a number of conditions that may be best treated with a hysterectomy. However, the choice to remove your uterus isn’t one that should be taken lightly. In the event you suffer from an underlying medical issue that may require a hysterectomy, the skilled medical team at The Guirguis Obstetrics & Gynecology Group will help you make the right decision for your overall health and your future.
A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure to remove your uterus. There are several types of hysterectomy procedures that can be performed depending on what you need done.
In a supracervical hysterectomy, your surgeon removes the upper portion of your uterus but leaves the cervix and other reproductive organs in place. A total hysterectomy involves the removal of your entire uterus and cervix.
If you need a radical hysterectomy, the surgeon removes the entire uterus as well as the cervix, top of the vagina, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and surrounding tissue. Generally, a radical hysterectomy is reserved for treating cancer.
For all types of hysterectomies, the surgeons at The Guirguis Obstetrics & Gynecology Group use minimally invasive surgical technology, including the da Vinci® robotic system. With minimally invasive techniques, your surgery can be performed using only small incisions.
Robotic surgery also allows your surgeon to complete more complex surgical procedures with enhanced precision, which is not always possible in traditional surgery.
Because any type of hysterectomy ends a woman’s ability to get pregnant, the surgery is typically only considered when other treatments aren’t able to address your condition or symptoms.
Your surgeon at The Guirguis Obstetrics & Gynecology Group can discuss hysterectomy options if you have certain conditions, such as:
You may also need a hysterectomy if you have hyperplasia, a condition that occurs when the lining of your uterus is too thick, which is often due to too much estrogen.
Adenomyosis is another condition that may require a hysterectomy if other treatments don’t work. This condition occurs when the lining of your uterus grows into the surrounding uterine muscle, which can result in chronic pain and heavy periods.
Cancer of your uterus, cervix, ovaries, or endometrium may also require a hysterectomy. Initially, you may try other treatments to reduce the development and spread of cancerous cells before needing a hysterectomy.
However, the surgeons at The Guirguis Obstetrics & Gynecology Group can determine if the removal of cancerous organs is necessary based on where the cancer is located and how advanced your cancer is. If you have precancerous growths, a hysterectomy may eliminate your risk for cancer spreading to other areas.
When underlying health issues put the possibility of a hysterectomy on the table, The Guirguis Obstetrics & Gynecology Group medical team will be with you every step of the way in the decision-making process.
Women who don’t want children or are happy with the number of children they have may be ready to undergo a hysterectomy to address their underlying medical condition. If you’re still considering having children and may not be ready for a hysterectomy, your provider can discuss other options for treatment.
Luckily, the minimally invasive technology now available for hysterectomies makes procedures safer, and there are fewer potential complications than with traditional surgery. You can also expect a much shorter hospital stay and a faster recovery.
If you’re considering a hysterectomy, discuss your options with the hysterectomy specialists by booking an appointment online or over the phone at The Guirguis Obstetrics & Gynecology Group today.
