|
A hysterectomy surgical procedure is a surgical procedure that
involves the removal of the uterus and other reproductive organs will be removed
(if necessary). Hysterectomy surgical procedures are the second most common type
of surgery performed in the United States. There are three basic
types of hysterectomy surgical procedures: vaginal hysterectomy, abdominal
hysterectomy, and laparoscopic-assisted vaginal. The type of hysterectomy that
is best for you depends on the situation and size of the problem.
The abdominal hysterectomy surgical procedure is the most common hysterectomy
performed. With an abdominal hysterectomy, the surgeon will make an
incision in the abdomen through which the uterus and other reproductive organs
(if necessary) will be removed. An abdominal hysterectomy also requires a longer
recovery time. With a vaginal
hysterectomy surgical procedure, the incision is made near the top of the vagina. Once the incision
has been made, the surgeon can then cut free and remove the uterus through the
vagina. With a vaginal hysterectomy, there will be no exterior scar like there
would be with an abdominal hysterectomy. A vaginal hysterectomy also requires
less recovery time than an abdominal surgery. However, if you have large
fibroids or need more than just the uterus removed, the vaginal hysterectomy is
not possible. In certain instances, a laparoscopic-assisted
vaginal hysterectomy surgical procedure may be necessary. When performing a vaginal hysterectomy, it may be difficult for
the surgeon to see the uterus. In such cases, a laparoscope can be used by the
surgeon to assist in the surgery. A laparoscope is a slender tube with a tiny
camera that is inserted through a small incision in the abdomen. The surgeon
uses small tools inserted through other small incisions to perform any necessary
cutting and tying of blood vessels, fallopian tubes, and ligaments. The uterus
is then removed through a small incision just above the vagina. A
laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy can only be performed by very skilled
surgeons. A hysterectomy surgical procedure is the usual
treatment for women with uterine, ovarian, or cervical cancer; severe
endometriosis; fibroid tumors that are causing bleeding and other complications;
or heavy, uncontrollable vaginal bleeding. Like all operations, a hysterectomy
surgical procedure is on that should be considered carefully. |
