A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure that removes the uterus from a woman’s body. The uterus is the organ where a baby develops in the womb before being born. Hysterectomy can alleviate symptoms of discomfort and serious health problems caused by problems in the uterus, such as uterine fibroids, uterine cancer, and adenomyosis.
The main types of hysterectomies are:
Most women who have a hysterectomy go home from the hospital within one or two days and can go back to their normal activities in four to six weeks. But for some, healing takes longer.
You may need a hysterectomy if you have certain conditions, such as:
There are several other reasons why your doctor may recommend a hysterectomy.
During a hysterectomy, your uterus is removed. If you have one or both of your ovaries and fallopian tubes removed at the same time, the procedure is called a total hysterectomy with salpingo-oophorectomy.
The entire procedure may take between 1 and 3 hours, depending on which type of hysterectomy is performed.
During a laparoscopic hysterectomy, the surgeon makes small incisions in your abdomen. A thin viewing device called a laparoscope is inserted into one incision to project images from inside your body onto a video monitor. Surgical instruments are inserted through the other incisions to remove your uterus.
In an abdominal hysterectomy, the surgeon removes the uterus through one large incision in the lower abdomen.
In a vaginal hysterectomy, the surgeon makes an incision in the top of your vagina to remove your uterus.
Whether you just want to know more about hysterectomy or your doctor may have recommended you hysterectomy for any reason, reach out to an experienced OB-GYN and consult them.
If you’re going for this procedure, be sure to have a clear understanding of its side effects, after-care, benefits, and other aspects.