The uterus is a very crucial reproductive organ in women. It plays a significant role in the development of the fetus until birth. However, removing the uterus is sometimes essential in protecting your health and enhancing the quality of life in women diagnosed with certain conditions. The team at Aurora OB/GYN, under the leadership of Dr. Karen Allsup, offers San Antonio hysterectomy services to treat fibroids, abnormal uterine bleeding, and uterine or cervical cancers. These conditions affect the uterus and other reproductive organs; hence uterus removal helps prevent the problems from advancing. Here is an exclusive look at hysterectomy and the perfect candidates for the procedure.
What Exactly Is a Hysterectomy?
This refers to the surgical removal of the uterus. The procedure is necessitated to help relieve pain, protect your health or protect against heavy bleeding. The surgeon removes the cervix and other surrounding reproductive organs depending on your underlying condition. After undertaking a hysterectomy, you will no longer get a menstrual cycle and cannot get pregnant. Therefore, if you still wish to have kids, you should consult your medical provider for an alternative solution other than a hysterectomy.
Why Would You Require a Hysterectomy?
A hysterectomy is not done as the first procedure to treat a medical issue. Doctors start by trying less invasive treatments. They will recommend a hysterectomy if other nonsurgical treatments are unresponsive. You would need a hysterectomy if you have; severe uterine fibroids, heavy menstrual bleeding, painful cramps during menstruation, uterine polyps, cervical or uterine cancer, and severe endometriosis. More so, having a uterine prolapse in which the pelvic muscles are not strong enough to hold the uterus in place often warrants a hysterectomy.
What Are the Different Types of Hysterectomies?
During a hysterectomy procedure, the doctor uses advanced medical equipment and technology to do it laparoscopically via small incisions using a tiny camera and outside monitor. Robotic assistance enables the surgeon to perform the procedure with precision and stability. There are four types of hysterectomies;
Total Hysterectomies
The surgeon removes the cervix and uterus during this procedure but leaves the ovaries intact.
Supracervical
A supracervical hysterectomy involves the removal of the upper section of the uterus, but the cervix is left intact.
Total Hysterectomy with Bilateral Salpingo-Oophorectomy
This type of procedure involves the removal of the cervix, uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes.
Radical Hysterectomy with Bilateral Salpingo-Oophorectomy
This type of hysterectomy is performed on women diagnosed with reproductive cancer. The procedure involves the removal of the cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and the upper section of the vagina. The surgeon also removes the surrounding cancerous tissue and lymph nodes.
Hysterectomy offers an effective treatment option if you are experiencing heavy bleeding, severe abdominal pain or have been diagnosed with large fibroids or uterine or cervical cancer. At Aurora OB/GYN, the doctors will start by taking you through comprehensive testing to ensure hysterectomy is the right treatment for you. They offer laparoscopic hysterectomy, which is less invasive than abominable hysterectomy; hence you will have reduced recovery time, bleeding, and pain. Call or book an appointment online at Aurora OB/GYN for the best hysterectomy services today.