Alternative to Hysterectomy

How many women have a hysterectomy and why?

Each year it is estimated that 600,000 women in the United States undergo a hysterectomy to treat a range of conditions including fibroids, menorrhagia, endometriosis, pelvic support problems, and some cancers of the uterus and cervix.  A hysterectomy in the U. S. is the second most frequent surgery among reproductive-aged women. In fact, there is emerging controversy within the medical profession that U.S. doctors are quick to decide on surgical hysterectomy procedures prior to exhausting proven alternatives to a hysterectomy.

What is an alternative to hysterectomy?

For life-threatening conditions or after alternatives to a hysterectomy are exhausted, a surgical hysterectomy may be the best choice. However, a significant number of the conditions that typically prompt a hysterectomy can be treated by other therapeutic means. Drs. Armity Simon and Patricia Grade will partner with their patients and recommend a hysterectomy only when other treatment options have failed. A few examples of other options include:

 ·  Drug treatment - medications may be used to reduce or stop heavy bleeding, in the short term.

·  Endometrial ablation – procedure involves the removal of the lining of the uterus which is shed each month during the menstrual cycle.  This procedure requires admission to a hospital as a day patient and an anaesthetic is used.

·  Surgical removal of endometriosis - involves cutting or burning tissue deposits and adhesions from such areas as the ovaries, bladder, bowel, uterus, pelvic walls and ligaments which support the uterus. It is recommended that hormone therapy is used in tandem before or after surgery.

·  Removal of adenomyosis - localized disease can be removed surgically or burned off with lasers which leaves the uterus intact. This procedure is recommended for women who wish to become pregnant.