WHAT IS A HYSTERECTOMY?
A hysterectomy is the surgical removal of a woman’s uterus. This procedure can also involve other reproductive organs, such as the ovaries, cervix and fallopian tubes, depending on the reason for the operation. A hysterectomy is the second most common operation in the United States, and is performed to treat a number of conditions including:
Uterine, ovarian or cervical cancers
Severe endometriosis
Fibroids
Chronic pelvic pain
HOW IS A LAPAROSCOPIC HYSTERECTOMY DIFFERENT?
There are currently three different types of hysterectomies available, including abdominal, vaginal and laparoscopic. An abdominal hysterectomy is the traditional method, in which a 4-8 inch incision is made into the abdomen, and the uterus, and other reproductive organs if necessary, are removed. During a vaginal hysterectomy, the uterus is cut free internally, and then pulled through the vagina.
A laparoscopic hysterectomy is the newest and most innovative method available at this time. This procedure allows the uterus to be detached from inside the body, through small, plastic tubes, inserted into tiny incisions made in the abdominal wall. A camera attached to a telescope is also inserted into these tubes, allowing the surgeon to view the reproductive organs during surgery. Once the uterus is detached, it can be removed vaginally.
BENEFITS OF A LAPAROSCOPIC HYSTERECTOMY:
An abdominal hysterectomy allows the surgeon to have a clear view of the reproductive organs, but leaves a significant scar and requires a long recovery period-typically 4-6 weeks. While a traditional vaginal hysterectomy is less invasive, a surgeon cannot view the organs during surgery. Typically, only the uterus and not the ovaries can be removed during this procedure, unlike the laparoscopic method.
A laparoscopic hysterectomy allows the surgeon to view the reproductive organs, and is the least invasive of all three methods. Scarring is minimal, and there is less overall risk involved with this procedure. Surgery can be performed on an outpatient basis, and patients can typically resume normal activity within two weeks.
A hysterectomy is the surgical removal of a woman’s uterus. This procedure can also involve other reproductive organs, such as the ovaries, cervix and fallopian tubes, depending on the reason for the operation. A hysterectomy is the second most common operation in the United States, and is performed to treat a number of conditions including:
Uterine, ovarian or cervical cancers
Severe endometriosis
Fibroids
Chronic pelvic pain
HOW IS A LAPAROSCOPIC HYSTERECTOMY DIFFERENT?
There are currently three different types of hysterectomies available, including abdominal, vaginal and laparoscopic. An abdominal hysterectomy is the traditional method, in which a 4-8 inch incision is made into the abdomen, and the uterus, and other reproductive organs if necessary, are removed. During a vaginal hysterectomy, the uterus is cut free internally, and then pulled through the vagina.
A laparoscopic hysterectomy is the newest and most innovative method available at this time. This procedure allows the uterus to be detached from inside the body, through small, plastic tubes, inserted into tiny incisions made in the abdominal wall. A camera attached to a telescope is also inserted into these tubes, allowing the surgeon to view the reproductive organs during surgery. Once the uterus is detached, it can be removed vaginally.
BENEFITS OF A LAPAROSCOPIC HYSTERECTOMY:
An abdominal hysterectomy allows the surgeon to have a clear view of the reproductive organs, but leaves a significant scar and requires a long recovery period-typically 4-6 weeks. While a traditional vaginal hysterectomy is less invasive, a surgeon cannot view the organs during surgery. Typically, only the uterus and not the ovaries can be removed during this procedure, unlike the laparoscopic method.
A laparoscopic hysterectomy allows the surgeon to view the reproductive organs, and is the least invasive of all three methods. Scarring is minimal, and there is less overall risk involved with this procedure. Surgery can be performed on an outpatient basis, and patients can typically resume normal activity within two weeks.
WHAT IS A HYSTERECTOMY?