Hysterectomy

What is a hysterectomy?

A hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus. In most cases, your surgeon removes the cervix and, sometimes, the surrounding reproductive organs. Once you have a hysterectomy, you no longer menstruate and can’t get pregnant.

Your Aurora OB/GYN provider could suggest a hysterectomy to protect your health, relieve pain, or reduce heavy bleeding.

Why would I need a hysterectomy?

A hysterectomy is never the first procedure to treat a medical concern. Your doctor will try less invasive treatments before recommending a hysterectomy. A hysterectomy would be right for you if you have:

• Heavy menstrual bleeding that hasn’t responded to nonsurgical treatment
• Large uterine fibroids
• Painful cramping during menstruation
• Severe, persistent pelvic pain
• Uterine or cervical cancer
• Uterine polyps
• Advanced endometriosis

Uterine prolapse, meaning your pelvic muscles are no longer strong enough to hold your uterus, usually warrants a hysterectomy.

Are there different kinds of hysterectomies?

The doctors at Aurora OB/GYN invest in advanced technology and medical equipment to perform hysterectomies laparoscopically — through small incisions using a small camera and outside monitor. Robotic assistance allows your surgeon to perform the procedure with stability and precision. The four most common hysterectomies are:

Total

During a total hysterectomy, your surgeon removes the uterus and cervix but leaves your ovaries intact.

Supracervical

A supracervical hysterectomy involves removing the upper portion of the uterus while the cervix remains in place.

Total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy

This hysterectomy removes the uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes, and ovaries.

Radical hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy

If you have reproductive cancer, your surgeon will often remove the uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and the upper part of the vagina. They also remove the surrounding lymph nodes and other cancerous tissue.

After comprehensive testing, your doctor at Aurora OB/GYN will sit down with you to determine the best hysterectomy for you.

Because Aurora OB/GYN performs laparoscopic hysterectomies, your recovery time is typically shorter than an abominable hysterectomy. The risk of infection, pain, and bleeding is also lower. You can expect to return home the same day as your surgery.

Call Aurora OB/GYN today or schedule an appointment to learn more about hysterectomy surgery.