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Hysterectomy
Some basic information...
What is a hysterectomy?
A hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus, or womb. It is the second most frequently performed surgery on women after Cesarean section (C-section). Depending on the type of hysterectomy performed and the reason it's being done, removal of the cervix, ovaries and fallopian tubes is sometimes performed during the same surgery. There are three basic types:
Total hysterectomy (or "traditional hysterectomy") - The uterus and cervix are removed. The ovaries and fallopian tubes may or may not be removed.
Subtotal or partial hysterectomy - The uterus is removed but the cervix is left in place. The ovaries and fallopian tubes may or may not be removed. Some gynecologists feel leaving the cervix may reduce incontinence later in life.
Radical hysterectomy - The uterus, cervix, and some of the pelvic lymph nodes are removed. The ovaries and fallopian tubes may or may not be removed. This is usually recommended to treat some cancers of the uterus or cervix.
Why are hysterectomies sometimes necessary?
Each year, 600,000 women in the United States undergo hysterectomies to treat a range of conditions. These include:
Fibroids - Usually benign (non-cancerous) growths inside the uterus. A fibroid can be as small as a pea or grow larger than a grapefruit. Learn more about fibroids.
Menorrhagia - The medical term for excessive menstrual bleeding. Menorrhagia is usually caused by hormonal changes or by fibroids. It can also be caused by infection or disease. Learn more about GYNECARE THERMACHOICE as a treatment option.
Endometriosis - A condition where tissue that normally resides in the uterus appears in other parts of the abdomen. It can cause pelvic pain and infertility.
Pelvic Support Problems - A condition such as uterine-prolapse, when the uterus falls from its normal position and descends into the vagina.
Hysterectomy is also indicated for treating some cancers of the uterus and cervix.
In the vast majority of cases, hysterectomy is an elective procedure. It should be considered only if you cannot be treated with, or have not had success with, less invasive treatments that preserve the uterus.
If you and your doctor determine you need a hysterectomy, ask your doctor about minimally invasive hysterectomy options. Learn more about minimally invasive options such as laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy (LSH).
The Decision to Have a Hysterectomy is Rarely An Easy One...
After all, a hysterectomy is major surgery, and that by itself can be scary. But if you are like many women, there may be more to it than that. You probably have questions about how a hysterectomy will make you feel, physically, emotionally - even sexually - long after the surgery is over.
Chances are you've talked about the issues that are most important to you with your doctor, your family, and your friends. You've explored the alternatives. But now that you and your doctor have concluded that a hysterectomy would be the best option, where do you go from here?
Well, read on. Because even after the decision to have a hysterectomy is made, you still have options to consider and choices to make.
The days when every woman had the same kind of hysterectomy are long gone. Today there are several types of hysterectomies, and less invasive surgical techniques have been developed that may help minimize pain and scarring and may shorten your recovery time.
You may also want to learn about techniques your doctor can use to prevent complications such as adhesions.
A quick visual guide to the female reproductive system
Knowing these terms will help you understand the information provided in this section.
Mouse over image labels to view definitions.
Learn more about hysterectomy issues
Learn more about the types of hysterectomies
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