Some women suffer from a variety of gynecological problems that cannot be treated medically, and surgery to remove the uterus (womb) is needed to give them the relief from pain and discomfort. Your gynecologist may recommend that you have your uterus removed if you have ongoing difficulties with the following conditions:
- Endometriosis
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Fibroid tumors
- Pelvic prolapse
- Cancer
Hysterectomies should be performed using minimally invasive techniques. Under general anesthesia, the gynecologist may access the site using either a vaginal or laparoscopic approach.
If you undergo a vaginal hysterectomy, the uterus and cervix are removed through the vagina and the top of the vagina is then sewn closed.
Laparoscopic Hysterectomy
If your gynecologist performs a laparoscopic hysterectomy, it can be done with just a few small incisions. In some cases, the gynecologist may opt to use robotics for the surgery. The surgeries are very similar, but with robotics, the sergeon controls a 3-dimensional system.
First, a small incision is made in the navel and a camera is inserted. Then, two or three additional small incisions are made in the lower abdomen so that the region can be accessed and the uterus removed. The uterus can be removed through the vagina or navel after it is cut into tiny pieces. In some cases, some women have their ovaries removed as well.
Most patients will go home the same day, but an overnight stay may be required for some patients. Patients having laparoscopic hysterectomy can expect to recover within one to two weeks.