Understanding the Different Types of Hysterectomies

There are some gynecological conditions that aren’t treatable with medications and other conservative therapies. For some women, this means the last-resort treatment option may be a hysterectomy.

At The Guirguis Obstetrics & Gynecology Group, our providers understand how overwhelmed you might feel learning you may need this type of surgery. To make you more comfortable moving forward, our gynecology team offers some insight into the different types of hysterectomies available, so you’ll know what to expect.

Kinds of hysterectomies

In general, a hysterectomy is a surgery to remove part or all of the female reproductive organs. The type of hysterectomy you need will depend on the condition you’re treating.

Your provider at The Guirguis Obstetrics & Gynecology Group will determine which surgery is best for relieving your symptoms and protecting your overall health. The different types of hysterectomies they offer include the following:

Total hysterectomy

A total hysterectomy is a surgery that removes your entire uterus and your cervix. This type of procedure may also involve the removal of your ovaries and fallopian tubes.

Supracervical hysterectomy

A supracervical hysterectomy is a procedure that removes the upper part of your uterus but leaves your cervix in place.

Radical hysterectomy

In a radical hysterectomy, the surgeon removes your whole uterus and cervix as well as the top of your vagina and surrounding tissue.

What to expect during a hysterectomy

To operate with the highest level of precision, The Guirguis Obstetrics & Gynecology Group uses the da Vinci® robotic surgical system. This technology allows our providers the ability to remove your reproductive organs laparoscopically, through small incisions in your vagina or abdomen.

The da Vinci robotic system features robotic arms that your surgeon controls with a computer console. The arms use specialized surgical instruments to remove the organs and tissues without causing unnecessary trauma to the body. The system also uses a high-definition camera to display the surgical area on a monitor, which your surgeon watches throughout the procedure.

In addition to being less traumatic on your body, the da Vinci system allows your surgeon to operate with more control. You won’t have as long of a recovery time as you might with an open surgery, and there will be less risk for scarring and post-surgical complications.

Why you might need a hysterectomy

After a hysterectomy, you will no longer be able to become pregnant. Because of this, our providers will first ensure that there are no other viable treatment options before recommending this type of surgery.

You may need a hysterectomy if you have one of the following conditions:

You may also need a hysterectomy if you experience complications during childbirth, such as a uterine rupture.  If you have cancer in your ovaries, uterus, or cervix, treatment often requires a radical hysterectomy to remove the cancer and prevent it from spreading.

If you have abnormal vaginal bleeding or other chronic issues that affect your reproductive health, schedule a consultation to discuss your options for a hysterectomy. To learn more, book an appointment online or over the phone with The Guirguis Obstetrics & Gynecology Group today.

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