Hysterectomy

A hysterectomy is the surgical removal of all or part of the uterus.  In certain situations, a hysterectomy may be the best option to treat common problems like pelvic pain, excessive menstrual bleeding, or uterine fibroids.  If there are no alternatives to hysterectomy to treat your condition, it is important to understand the different types of hysterectomy and which hysterectomy option is the best one for you.  There are three types of hysterectomy:

Surgical Methods for Hysterectomy

Benefits of Minimally Invasive Hysterectomy

Minimally invasive procedures for hysterectomy like the laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy (LSH) are less invasive than procedures with a large abdominal incision such as the total abdominal hysterectomy.  Small incisions allow accesses to the abdomen which result in less post-operative pain and a quicker recovery with fewer complications and better scarring.  The hospital stay is usually less than 24 hours and the return to normal activity about 2 weeks, including sexual intercourse.

Most women are appropriate canditates for a minimally invasive hysterectomy.  Careful exam by an experienced and qualified surgeon can determine if the LSH is appropriate for the patient.

Should Ovaries Be Removed With Hysterectomy?

Many women are told they need to also have their ovaries removed if they are having a hysterectomy. This has been a controversial issue for many years, but until recently most doctors recommended removal of the ovaries after about age 45 in order to prevent women from developing ovarian cancer. However, the ovaries continue to produce hormones for many years after menopause and these hormones have many long-term health benefits, as well as benefits for improved mood, prevention of vaginal dryness, preservation of skin tone and elasticity.

The ovaries continue to produce estrogen in small amounts, and testosterone in normal amounts for about 30 years after menopause. Muscle, skin and fat cells change testosterone into estrogen, and this source of estrogen appears to be responsible for the lower risks of heart disease and osteoporosis that have been found in studies of women who still have their ovaries.

Dr. William Parker, et al. recently published an article in the renowned journal Obstetrics and Gynecology that showed a lower risk of dying before age 80 if you choose to keep your ovaries at the time you have a hysterectomy.  For more information on the benefits of ovarian preservation at the time of hysterectomy visit ovaryresearch.com.