At Valley Women’s Healthcare, Olga Valieva, DO, and Eric Schmit, DO, both board-certified OB/GYNs and specialists in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery, offer a variety of hysterectomy options. In this video, the doctors address common questions about hysterectomy, what it involves, and how they determine the best approach for each patient. An abbreviated summary of the conversation is below the video.
What is a hysterectomy?
A hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus, which includes both the body of the uterus and the cervix. Many patients mistakenly believe that a “total hysterectomy” includes removal of the ovaries, but that’s not the case. Removal of the ovaries is called an oophorectomy, a separate procedure.
What are the reasons someone would need a hysterectomy?
The most common reasons for a hysterectomy are related to issues with the menstrual cycle, such as heavy or painful periods, pelvic pain, endometriosis (where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of it) or prolapse of pelvic organs (they drop from their normal position). In some cases, such as cancer, removing the uterus is a necessity rather than an option.
What are the current methods for hysterectomy surgery?
Advancements in surgical methods mean there are more minimally invasive options available today. At Valley, we focus on faster recovery times with options like vaginal surgery and laparoscopic surgery, following enhanced recovery protocols (ERAS) to help patients return to normal activities sooner. Laparoscopic surgery is a type of minimally invasive surgery where small cuts are made in the abdomen, and a tiny camera (called a laparoscope) is inserted to help the surgeon see inside the body.
What other minimally invasive options are available?
We offer both laparoscopic and vaginal hysterectomies. For laparoscopic surgery, we often use robotic assistance for a clearer view, requiring several small incisions. For vaginal hysterectomies, a single incision is made in the vaginal canal, and the uterus is removed through that opening. This is a different surgical method known as vNOTES.
How you determine the best procedure for a patient who needs a hysterectomy?
We evaluate each patient individually based on factors like scar tissue, prior surgeries, or fibroids. Patients with these factors may require laparoscopic or robotic surgery, while others may be good candidates for a vaginal hysterectomy, which involves just one incision.
If a patient wants to be evaluated for a hysterectomy, what should they do next?
If you’re considering a hysterectomy, start by consulting your primary care provider, who can refer you to an OB/GYN. During the consultation, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of the surgery, help determine the best approach, or even explore whether surgery is necessary at all.
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