Hysterectomy
A hysterectomy is the surgical removal of all or part of the uterus, or womb. The doctors at Academy Women’s Healthcare Associates may also remove the fallopian tubes, ovaries and/or the cervix during the same surgery. Our doctors may use one of the following terms to help describe the organs removed during surgery:
- A supracervical hysterectomy removes the uterus but leaves the cervix in place, which some research suggests may reduce the risk of pelvic organ prolapse and preserve sexual function. This is sometimes referred to as “partial hysterectomy.”
- Total or “traditional” hysterectomy removes the uterus and cervix.
- A radical hysterectomy may remove all of these organs (the uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes, ovaries), plus the pelvic lymph nodes.
There are 3 Different Ways to Perform Hysterectomies:
Abdominal (also known as Open)
This hysterectomy method requires a 4- to 8-inch horizontal incision below the belly button to remove the uterus and cervix and, in some cases, other organs. The most invasive kind of hysterectomy, this type is performed under general anesthesia, with a typical hospital stay of 3-6 days and up to 6 weeks of recovery time.
Vaginal
This hysterectomy method uses a smaller incision inside the vagina to remove the uterus and other organs, as determined by your doctor. This incision is not visible externally. Vaginal hysterectomies usually require a 1-3 day hospital stay and up to 4 weeks’ recovery time.
Laparoscopic
While all the doctors at Academy Women’s Healthcare Associates are accomplished surgeons, four of our physicians serve as instructors to the medical community for laparoscopic hysterectomy techniques. With this hysterectomy method, a thin, lighted, telescope-like instrument called a laparoscope along with small surgical instruments are inserted through 3 to 4 tiny incisions in the navel and abdomen to detach and remove the uterus.
There are different types of laparoscopic hysterectomies. Based upon your clinical need, your doctor might perform a laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy (LSH), allowing you to keep your cervix, or a total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH).
Unlike more traditional methods, laparoscopic hysterectomy usually requires only one day or less in the hospital and only six days of recovery time. Patients also experience less scarring and pain compared to other hysterectomy methods.
Know Your Hysterectomy Options
Abdominal Hysterectomy
What it is: Uterus, cervix and sometimes other organs are removed via a 4- to 8-inch horizontal incision below the belly button
Hospital Stay: 3-6 days
Recovery Time: 4-6 weeks
Pain and Scarring: Possibility of severe pain and scarring
Vaginal Hysterectomy
What it is: Uterus, cervix and sometimes other organs are removed via a smaller incision inside the vagina
Hospital Stay: 1-3 days
Recovery Time: 4 weeks
Pain and Scarring: No visible scarring; can be painful during recovery
Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy (TLH)
What it is: A device called a laparoscope is inserted through 3-4 tiny incisions in the abdomen to detach and remove the uterus
Hospital Stay: 1 day or less
Recovery Time: 6 days
Pain and Scarring: Minimal recovery, pain and scarring
Laparoscopic Supracervical Hysterectomy (LSH)
What it is: A specific type of laparoscopic hysterectomy in which the cervix is left in place
Hospital Stay: 1 day or less
Recovery Time: 6 days
Pain and Scarring: Minimal recovery, pain and scarring; retaining the cervix may help pelvic floor support and preserve sexual function