Hysterectomy (cont.)
How is a hysterectomy performed?
In the past the most common hysterectomy was done by an incision (cut) through the abdomen (abdominal hysterectomy). Now most surgeries can utilize laparoscopic assisted or vaginal hysterectomies (performed through the vagina rather than through the abdomen) for quicker and easier recovery. The hospital stay generally tends to be longer with an abdominal hysterectomy than with a vaginal hysterectomy, and hospital charges tend to be higher. The procedures seem to take comparable lengths of time (about
two hours), unless the uterus is of a very large size, in which case a vaginal hysterectomy may take longer.
What are the types of hysterectomies?
There are now a variety of
surgical techniques for performing hysterectomies. The ideal surgical procedure
for each woman depends on her particular medical condition. Below, the different
types of hysterectomy are discussed with general guidelines about which
technique is considered for which type of medical situation. However, the final
decision must be made from an individualized discussion between the woman and
the physician who best understands her individual situation.
Remember, as a general rule, before any type of hysterectomy, women should have the following tests
in order to select the optimal procedure:
- Complete pelvic exam
including manually examining the ovaries and uterus.
- Up-to-date Pap smear.
- Pelvic ultrasound may be appropriate, depending on what the physician finds on the above.
- A decision regarding whether or not to remove the ovaries at the time of hysterectomy.
- A complete blood count and an attempt to correct anemia if possible.
Next: Total abdominal hysterectomy »
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