Abdominal Hysterectomy

What is a hysterectomy?

A hysterectomy is a major operation involving the removal of the uterus and, if necessary, the ovaries and fallopian tubes. Drs. Armity Simon and Patricia Grade will talk with you and help you determine the kind of hysterectomy recommended for you.  There are three basic types of hysterectomy surgical procedures which include: abdominal hysterectomy, vaginal hysterectomy, and laparoscopic-assisted vaginal.
 

What is an abdominal hysterectomy?

With an abdominal hysterectomy Drs. Simon or Grade will make a cut in the abdomen through which the uterus and other reproductive organs, if necessary, are removed. In this procedure, the uterus is removed through a surgical incision in abdomen. This incision is usually six to eight inches in length. A longer recovery time may be necessary because the core muscles are cut and stretched open during the abdominal surgery. This procedure is commonly used when the ovaries and fallopian tubes are being removed, when the patient has an enlarged uterus, or when disease has spread to the pelvic cavity, such as endometriosis or cancer.

What are the alternatives to an abdominal hysterectomy?

·     Vaginal hysterectomy which removes the uterus and cervix through an incision
inside the vagina. This method can be used to treat uterine-vaginal prolapse and
early cervical or uterine cancer.

·     Laparoscopically-assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH) which is similar to a
vaginal hysterectomy by removing the uterus and cervix through an incision inside
the vagina. But this procedure also includes the use of a laparoscope (a thin, lighted
telescope) inserted through a small incision in the navel.

Which procedure is right for me?