FACTS ABOUT HYSTERECTOMIES IN SOUTH FLORIDA

 

What is a hysterectomy?

Hysterectomy is surgery to remove a woman’s uterus or womb. During this surgery, the entire uterus is usually removed, although the doctor may also remove the ovaries and fallopian tubes, so the woman can no longer get pregnant.
Other organs may also be removed if you have serious problems, such as endometriosis or cancer.
However, in women who have not yet gone through menopause, removal of the ovaries leads to menopause and an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis.

Hysterectomy is one of the most common treatments for uterine fibroids. It consists of removing your uterus in part or whole. Here are the different types.

 

Why is a hysterectomy performed?

Hysterectomies are done to treat conditions that affect the female reproductive system:

Cancer, mainly endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer, or cervical cancer.
Uterine fibroids, non-cancerous growths on the walls of the uterus.
Myoma (benign tumor of the uterus) that is causing complications.
Uterine prolapse: This is when the uterus slides down into the vagina. It is more common in women who have had multiple vaginal deliveries, but it can occur after menopause or due to obesity.
Severe adenomyosis that does not respond to any treatment.
Chronic pelvic pain.
Endometriosis: occurs when the tissue that lines the uterus grows outside the uterus.
Uterine support problems.
Vaginal bleeding that persists despite treatment: hormonal changes, (infection, cancer or fibroids can cause prolonged bleeding).
Adenomyosis: The tissue that lines the uterus grows within the walls of the uterus, the walls thicken and cause severe pain and heavy bleeding.

 

How is a hysterectomy performed?

There are different ways that a hysterectomy can be done. It will depend on your medical history and the reason for your surgery.

Abdominal hysterectomy
This is done through a 5 to 7-inch incision or cut in your lower abdomen. The cut can go up and down, or through the abdomen, just above the pubic hair.

Vaginal hysterectomy
This is done through a cut in the vagina. The doctor will remove your uterus through this incision and close it with stitches.

Laparoscopic hysterectomy
A laparoscope is an instrument with a thin, lighted tube and a small camera that allows your doctor to view your pelvic organs. Your doctor will make three to four small cuts in your abdomen and insert the laparoscope and other instruments. The uterus will be cut into smaller pieces and removed through the incisions.
It is most often done when a patient has cancer or is very overweight and vaginal surgery is not safe.

Total hysterectomy
It is the removal of the entire uterus, including the cervix (the narrower lower part of the uterus).

Supracervical hysterectomy (also known as subtotal or partial)
It is the removal of the upper part of the uterus. The cervix is ​​left in place.

Radical hysterectomy
This is a total hysterectomy that also involves removing the surrounding tissues around the uterus, called the parametrium. This procedure is generally reserved for cases where there is cancer.

How long does it take to recover from a hysterectomy?

Recovery can take some time. Most women stay in the hospital for 1 to 2 days for postoperative care. Some women can stay longer, often when a hysterectomy is done for cancer.

How long it takes you to resume your normal activities depends on the type of surgery. If you had:

Abdominal surgery

Recovery takes 4 to 6 weeks. Little by little you will be able to increase your activities.

Vaginal or laparoscopic surgery.

Recovery takes 3 to 4 weeks.

You should get plenty of rest and not lift heavy objects for a full 6 weeks after surgery. About 6 weeks after any of the surgeries, you should be able to take bathtubs and resume sexual intercourse.

Learn about Uterine Fibroid Embolization and how to avoid a hysterectomy.

 

 

Looking to find an alternative to a hysterectomy for help with your uterine fibroids? Learn about our minimally invasive treatment serving Miami, Pompano, and South Florida. Broward County: (954) 884-8150 Dade County: ​​(305) 907-6191.

If you are in the Miami or South Florida area, feel free to request a consultation or even a virtual office visit so you can speak to one of our doctors from the comfort of your home.

For more information on Uterine Fibroid Embolization or to schedule an appointment call: (305) 907-6191