Hysterectomy

What is a hysterectomy?

A hysterectomy is an operation to remove your uterus. The team at J. Shan Young, MD, offers a variety of hysterectomies and surgical approaches to address your specific needs. 

For example, whenever possible, the team will recommend a minimally invasive laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH) to minimize the disruption to your life. They also offer minimally invasive laparoscopic abdominal procedures and traditional open hysterectomy. 

Depending on your condition, you might need a partial, total, or radical hysterectomy. During a total hysterectomy, your uterus and cervix are removed along with the fallopian tubes. The removal of the fallopian tubes reduces the risk of ovarian cancer. When necessary, a radical hysterectomy is used to remove your uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes, and ovaries.

Why would I need a hysterectomy?

The team at J. Shan Young, MD, perform hysterectomies for several reasons, including: 

• Uterine fibroids
• Uterine, ovarian, cervical, or endometrial cancer
• Endometriosis
• Adenomyosis
• Advanced pelvic inflammatory disease
• Uterine prolapse
  
  

The procedure is usually the last resort when other medical interventions haven’t resolved your conditions. 

What happens during a hysterectomy?

The team at J. Shan Young, MD, uses laparoscopic techniques to perform minimally invasive hysterectomies. They make a small incision in your abdomen and insert a laparoscope into your body. 

A laparoscope is a slim surgical tube with a light and a camera on its tip. The device sends a video from inside your body to a monitor that allows your surgeon to see your reproductive organs without having to make a large incision in your body.

During a laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy, a laparoscope is used to see the inside of your body and special surgical instruments remove your reproductive organs. Some of the removal is done through your vaginal canal, and the rest is through the tiny abdominal incisions. 

In abdominal hysterectomies, the surgeon either uses laparoscopic techniques or a conventional surgical approach to access and extract your reproductive organs. 

What should I expect after a hysterectomy?

A laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy is an outpatient procedure, so you can go home to recover after your operation. Most patients can return to their regular activities within a few weeks. However, you should avoid heavy lifting and sexual activity until your provider gives you the all-clear at a follow-up appointment. 

You need slightly more time to recover from abdominal hysterectomies. No matter which type of procedure you have, the team at J. Shan Young, MD, provides personalized aftercare instructions and can answer any of your questions on what to expect while you recover. 

If you need an expert gynecological surgeon to perform a hysterectomy, call the office or make an appointment online today.