Hysterectomy

A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure performed to remove the uterus (womb). It is performed to treat a variety of different conditions, heavy periods, pelvic pain, ovarian cancer, cervical cancer, uterine cancer, fibroids (benign tumors), endometriosis, and chronic pelvic pain. Hysterectomies are most commonly performed in women above the age of 40. There are different types of hysterectomy that can be performed, depending on the patient's individual case. A total hysterectomy, which is the most commonly performed hysterectomy, involves removing the uterus and cervix. A subtotal hysterectomy is the removal of the uterus. A total hysterectomy with BSO (bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy) involves removing the uterus, cervix, ovaries, and fallopian tubes. A radical hysterectomy is the same as a total hysterectomy with BSO, with the addition of removing surrounding tissue, fat, lymph glands, and part of the vagina. There are 3 different surgical approaches to performing a hysterectomy which include laparoscopic hysterectomy, abdominal hysterectomy, and vaginal hysterectomy. Once a hysterectomy is performed, it is no longer possible for a woman become pregnant, therefore patients should be sure that they do not want to become pregnant before undergoing surgery. Having a hysterectomy can take 6 to 8 weeks to recover from, as it is a major operation. Recommended for Severe endometriosis Chronic pelvic pain Painful uterine fibroids Uterine prolapse Abnormal bleeding (when other treatments have been unsuccessful) Cancer of the uterus, cervix or ovaries