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By Paul MacKoul, MD – Laparoscopic GYN Surgeon and Co-Founder of CIGC.

Hysterectomy

A hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus and fallopian tubes, and in some cases, the cervix. The ovaries are not part of the uterus and removal of the ovaries is part of a separate procedure that can be performed with or without a hysterectomy. The ovaries is the organ that produces female hormones and removal of the ovaries will lead to menopause. Keeping the ovaries will not cause an immediate onset of menopause. A hysterectomy may be used to treat fibroids, endometriosis, pelvic pain, adenomyosis, abnormal bleeding and more.

Hysterectomy Types and Surgical Techniques

There are multiple types of hysterectomies. For instance, a complete hysterectomy removes the uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes and ovaries, while a partial hysterectomy removes only the uterus. A supracervical hysterectomy leaves the cervix in place, and removes the “top” of the uterus, with or without the ovaries. Different types may be recommended for different patients depending on their medical condition and reason for having the hysterectomy.

A hysterectomy can be performed by using several different techniques. The differences between these techniques determine how the surgeon will access the uterus and other organs during the procedure. Depending on the hysterectomy technique used, the doctor may make several incisions or none at all. The technique used has an impact on the length of the procedure, recovery time, side effects and risks/complications. The hysterectomy technique is determined by the patient’s medical condition and the surgeon’s experience and training.

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Hysterectomy Procedure

Preparation begins days before the procedure, as you may be asked to stop taking certain medications and undergo preoperative testing. The hysterectomy procedure at CIGC takes about 30 minutes to an hour to perform. The DualportGYN technique we use allows us to release patients on the day of their surgery to begin their recovery at home.

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Hysterectomy Recovery and Side Effects

Most patients recover from a CIGC DualportGYN hysterectomy in about a week. Recovery for patients whose hysterectomies are performed with other methods can range from many weeks to two months.

After the procedure, patients will typically experience some mild side effects including pain, bruising, swelling and nausea, but these side effects subside as your recovery progresses.

Certain activities should be avoided or modified when recovering from a hysterectomy, including exercise, diet and sex.

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Hysterectomy Risks and Complications

At CIGC, we take great precautions to minimize risks, including the use of advanced techniques that reduce complications when compared to other methods.

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Changes to Your Body After a Hysterectomy

After undergoing a hysterectomy you will no longer have periods or the ability to get pregnant. Menopause will only occur in those patients who have the ovaries removed. Discuss with your GYN surgeon all the different options and results of the procedure. For many patients, a hysterectomy will be an excellent option to control the negative effects of heavy bleeding and anemia, severe pain, bloating, distension, and many other symptoms.

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CIGC Hysterectomy Specialists

CIGC surgeons are fellowship-trained, minimally invasive surgery specialists who are dedicated to techniques and procedures that optimize surgical care and recovery for women.

If your OBGYN is qualified to perform gynecological surgery, you may be planning to have them perform your hysterectomy procedure. Here is something to consider: An OBGYN performs an average of 10 to 15 hysterectomies per year. At CIGC, our surgeons perform on average 10 to 15 GYN surgeries in a week. Our patients benefit from our sole focus on minimally invasive GYN surgery, our high-level of training and our advanced skills.

Meet the Hysterectomy Specialists at CIGC >>

Ready for a Consultation

If you’re considering a hysterectomy for fibroids, our specialists are ready to provide an evaluation of your symptoms and condition(s) and recommend an appropriate solution.

References

 

1 Danilyants N, MacKoul P, Baxi R, et al. Value-based assessment of hysterectomy approaches. J Obstet Gynaecol Res. 2019 Feb;45(2):389-98

2 Rosero EB, Kho KA, Joshi GP, et al. Comparison of robotic and laparoscopic hysterectomy for benign gynecologic disease. Obstet Gynecol. 2013 Oct;122(4):778-86

3 Mokate T, Wright C, Mander T. Hysterectomy and sexual function. J Br Menopause Soc. 2006 Dec;12(4):153-7

4 Rhodes JC, Kjerulff KH, Landenberg PW, et al. Hysterectomy and sexual functioning. JAMA. 1999 Nov 24;282(20):193-41

5 Blandon RE, Bharucha AE, Melton LJ 3rd, et al. Incidence of pelvic floor repair after hysterectomy: a population-based cohort study. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2007 Dec;197(6):664.e1-7.