What is a hysterectomy?
Hysterectomy is the second most common surgery for women in the United States, with approximately 500,000 procedures performed every year.
Hysterectomy is gynecological surgery to remove a woman’s uterus. There are three different types of hysterectomies.
- Total, in which the uterus and cervix are removed
- Partial (supracervical), which removes the upper part of the uterus, but leaves the cervix
- Radical, which entails the removal of the uterus, cervix and structure around the uterus. Other organs that may be removed as part of the surgery include ovaries and fallopian tubes.
Decisions on the type of procedure that is necessary are made with our San Antonio gynecological surgeons before the procedure.
There are multiple surgical approaches to hysterectomy. The procedure can be performed through the vagina, through the abdomen or laparoscopically. The surgical method is determined based on the patient’s health, the reason for the surgery, and the type of procedure being performed.
Reasons women may need this surgery
Our San Antonio gynecological surgeons may recommend this surgery for several common reasons.
- Uterine fibroids
- Pelvic masses
- Endometriosis
- Heavy or abnormal uterine bleeding
- Chronic pain or cramps
- Pelvic organ prolapse or other pelvic support problems
- Gynecological cancer
Recovering after the procedure
Hysterectomy can be performed as an outpatient procedure, but some women will remain in the hospital for one or two days. Total recovery time can range from three to six weeks and depends on the type of hysterectomy, the surgical method and the woman’s overall physical health.
It is important during recovery to rest and limit physical activity, specifically lifting heavy objects. Get more information about what to expect after your surgery here.
As your OBGYN will advise you, this is major surgery. Women and their physicians should explore alternative treatment options, including medication, watchful waiting, exercise or less-invasive surgeries, before moving forward.
Another important consideration before surgery is whether a patient intends to have biological children, as pregnancy is not possible once the uterus has been removed. If you need this surgery but do want to have a baby, be sure to ask your physician about options to preserve your fertility through egg freezing or have a child through gestational surrogacy.
Our San Antonio gynecological surgeons can help determine if this gynecological surgery is the right course of treatment for you. We are happy to answer questions about the procedure. Contact Legacy Women’s Health for an appointment with our San Antonio OBGYNs.
