The prospect of a hysterectomy is undoubtedly daunting for every woman. How to show up to the O.R. calm and confident? At Lone Tree, our seasoned specialists work with cutting-edge techniques to put you at ease. In this article, they are walking you through the experience so that on the day of you can rest easy knowing you are in the hands of compassionate experts. If you live in Lone Tree or Castle Rock, Colorado, our staff is eager to meet you and discuss the pros, the cons and the “what’s next?” of this procedure.
What Is a Hysterectomy and Why Is It Performed?
A hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus. In the United States, it is the second most common women-specific procedure, with 30% of women having one by age 60. Why is it so common? Gynecologists recommend having your uterus removed if you present any of the following conditions:
- Uterine fibroids. Although in many cases fibroids do not represent an issue, when the symptoms (abnormal pain, heavy bleeding) become chronic and severe, surgery could be needed.
- Uterine prolapse. When the uterus drops to the vagina and the symptoms become debilitating and surgical and nonsurgical options to repair the uterus are not appropriate, the recommendation is to remove it altogether.
- Endometriosis. Sometimes considered a last resort treatment for endometriosis, a hysterectomy can, like with uterine fibroids, significantly reduce symptoms like heavy bleeding and cramping.
- Adenomyosis. Although for different reasons, adenomyosis also causes an enlargement of the uterus, menorrhagia, severe cramps, and pain during intercourse. When these symptoms become unmanageable via hormone treatment or endometrial ablation, they are managed by removing the uterus.
- Uterus, cervix, ovarian or endometrium cancer or precancer. A hysterectomy will stop the tumor from spreading and prevent its recurrence.
What Is the Result?
A hysterectomy will stop your periods permanently and eliminate the possibility of getting pregnant. In some cases, the doctor may also need to remove the fallopian tubes and ovaries. On the bright side, you will be able to go back to your everyday life free of debilitating pain and the emotional turmoil that comes with it.
Types of Hysterectomy
During your consultation with your provider, you will discuss the type you need, which will depend on your condition and the level of severity it presents. The different types of hysterectomies include:
- Total. It is the most common type, and includes the removal of the uterus (including the cervix), but not that of the ovaries or fallopian tubes.
- Partial. As the name indicates, only a portion of the uterus is removed—the upper part.
- Radical. In this type of surgery, the surgeon removes the uterus, cervix, and tissue on both sides of the cervix and the upper part of the vagina.Most often, this is done to treat certain types of cancer, such as cervical cancer.
Methods
Abdominal
Your surgeon makes a cut on the lower abdomen. This technique is the most invasive and the recovery time is often longer than the others.
Vaginal
The cut is made at the top of the vagina (not an option if fibroids are too large). Recovery time is usually short and the process is not very invasive.
Laparoscopic
A tiny camera guides the surgeon through a small incision in the abdomen. This helps guide the tiny surgical tools used for the removal. It is minimally invasive.
Robotic
A robotic arm helps the doctor make precise cuts in the lower abdomen.
Recovering from a Hysterectomy
As with all surgeries, recovery will depend on the type of procedure you’ve had done.
- We recommend that you stay in the hospital for one or two days after the surgery, and longer if necessary (often for cancer treatment).
- Within possibility, we encourage you to move around and try to go to the bathroom on your own.
- You may have to pee through a catheter—a thin tube—for 24 or 48 hours after the surgery.
- For abdominal surgery, you may go back to your daily activities 4 to 6 weeks after the procedure.
- For vaginal, laparoscopic or robotic surgery, it can take less than 3 to 4 weeks.
- Do not exert yourself. Get plenty of rest and don’t lift heavy objects for up to six weeks after surgery.
- Always follow your doctor’s instructions and contact them as soon as you feel any abnormal pain or discomfort.
About Lone Tree’s Mission
Lone Tree OB/GYN & Midwives is a full-service obstetrics and gynecology office with a team of highly regarded providers recognized throughout the Castle Rock, Colorado, community for their exceptional care.