Hysterectomy
Hysterectomy is the surgical removal of a women’s uterus. It is used to treat several types of GYN conditions. There are three main means of approaching the surgery: abdominal, performed with a cut through the abdomen (abdominal hysterectomy); vaginal, performed with an incision at the top of the vagina (vaginal hysterectomy); or with the aid of a laparoscope (laparoscopic hysterectomy).
There are several types of hysterectomies:
- Total: Removes the uterus and cervix.
- Supracervical: Removes only the upper part of the uterus, the cervix is left behind
- Radical: Removes the uterus, the cervix, the upper part of the vagina, and supporting tissues (usually done for cervical cancer).
- With Bilateral Salpingoophorectomy (BSO): This means removal of the tubes and ovaries with the uterus. Some people refer to this as a "partial hysterectomy" although this is not a medical term.
Why have a hysterectomy?
- Cancer. Hysterectomies can be used to treat certain types of cancer involving the uterus, cervix, or ovary.
- Fibroids. For some women, fibroids are minimal and require little treatment. For others, fibroids can cause heavy bleeding and pain.
- Endometriosis. This happens when the tissue lining the inside of your uterus grows outside the uterus on your ovaries, fallopian tubes, or other pelvic or abdominal organs. A Hysterectomy can be used when other treatment options have failed.
- Uterine Prolapse. If the uterus moves from its usual place down into the vagina, it can lead to pelvic pressure, urinary problems, and bowel movement difficulties.
- Persistent vaginal bleeding. If someone has long lasting periods with heavy bleeding, a hysterectomy can be used when other options have failed.
- Chronic Pelvic Pain. When other treatment options have failed, serious pelvic pain coming from the uterus can be treated with a hysterectomy.
Learn more about Hysterectomy.
Learn more about Laparoscopic Hysterectomy