What is a Hysterectomy?

A hysterectomy is the surgical removal of a woman’s uterus. The most common reasons for having a hysterectomy include:

  • Fibroids
  • Endometriosis
  • Adenomyosis 
  • Abnormal Bleeding
  • Chronic Pelvic Pain
  • Cancer of the uterus, cervix, or ovaries 
  • Prolapse of the uterus

While hysterectomy is the second most common surgery performed on reproductive-age women in the U.S., after cesarean section, It’s estimated that 20 percent of all hysterectomies are unnecessary because physicians are under-utilizing alternative treatments. Benign conditions, such as fibroids and adenomyosis, can be treated with less invasive methods, such as UFE.

If hysterectomy is the only option, Viva Eve recommends that patients explore all the surgical alternatives available. 

In the past, a hysterectomy always required a large incision in the lower abdomen. Newer methods of surgery are ‘minimally invasive”, which means the surgery is performed laparoscopically through small incisions that are made in the belly button. 

During Laparoscopic Hysterectomy a tiny camera is inserted through the umbilicus allowing the surgeon to see the image from this camera on a TV screen and perform the operative procedure. Two or three other tiny incisions are made in the lower abdomen and surgical instruments are inserted and used to remove the uterus, and/or ovaries and fallopian tubes.

Vaginal hysterectomy is the least invasive approach to uterus removal. The uterus is removed through an incision at the top of the vagina, so the patients don’t have any abdominal incisions. This type of hysterectomy involves a shorter time in the hospital, and faster recovery than an abdominal hysterectomy, which requires an incision in the lower abdomen. It has to be noted that based on the size and shape of the patient’s uterus or the reason for the surgery, not every patient can be a candidate for this type of hysterectomy. Your Viva Eve doctor will talk to you about other surgical options, such as an abdominal hysterectomy.Abdominal hysterectomy is the removal of the uterus, cervix and both fallopian tubes through a lower abdominal incision. This method of hysterectomy is usually reserved for the enlarged uterus, in which removal is not able to be performed via a minimally invasive approach. 

Facts & Statistics

Hysterectomy surgery encompasses several types of procedures, including:

  • Supracervical, subtotal or partial hysterectomy – This surgery involves the removal of your upper uterus, leaving the cervix in place.
  • Total hysterectomy – Your fibroid doctor removes the whole uterus, including the cervix.
  • Radical hysterectomy – This procedure involves removing your whole uterus and the cervix, as well as the tissue on the sides surrounding your uterus and the top part of your vagina.

0

Hysterectomies are performed annually in the U.S.

0%

of all hysterectomies in the United States are performed to treat uterine fibroids.

0%

1 in 5 women in the U.S. who undergo the procedure don’t need it.

Common Symptoms

A hysterectomy can cure debilitating symptoms that are commonly associated with fibroids, polyps, endometriosis, and adenomyosis, including:

Benefits & Risks

A hysterectomy is a major operation for a woman, as it ends menstruation and a woman’s ability to conceive. Good candidates for a hysterectomy are women who have completed their childbearing or do not wish to conceive.

At Viva Eve, our team of specialists will explore all of your treatment options with you and discuss whether any other method of treatment would work for your symptoms. Patients receive thorough facts and candid conversation about procedures and treatment options.

Benefits

  • It is the only curative solution for fibroids.
  • Permanently relieves symptoms – stops heavy bleeding and relieves pain.
  • Can dramatically improve quality of life.

Risks

  • Risks associated with major surgery, general anesthesia, and hospitalization.
  • Hormonal changes and potential long-term side effects if ovaries are removed.
  • Up to six weeks of recovery.
  • Vaginal prolapse
  • Urinary incontinence
  • Chronic pain
  • Wound infections
  • Injury to surrounding tissue or organs, such as your bladder, intestines or blood vessels
  • Blood clots or hemorrhage
  • Fistula formation, an abnormal connection forming between your vagina and bladder, often from scar tissue

Talk to a Viva Eve specialist.

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