Hysterectomy Specialist

Why might a woman need to have a hysterectomy?

There are a number of health issues women experience that may indicate a need for a hysterectomy, which is the surgical removal of the uterus. However, because it’s a major surgery, Dr. Weyhrich may suggest other treatments before he recommends a hysterectomy.

Conditions that may warrant a hysterectomy include:

• Chronic pelvic pain
• Endometriosis
• Cervical cancer
• Fibroids
• Uterine prolapse
• Heavy or abnormal menstrual bleeding

What is removed during a hysterectomy?

There are three types of hysterectomies, and they’re classified by which organs or tissues are removed:

• Partial hysterectomy: the removal of only the upper part of your uterus, leaving the cervix intact
• Total hysterectomy: the most common type of hysterectomy, and it’s the removal of the uterus and cervix
• Radical hysterectomy: the removal of the uterus, cervix, and upper part of the vagina, and may be recommended if you’ve been diagnosed with cervical cancer

The ovaries and fallopian tubes may or may not be removed during a hysterectomy, depending on the individual situation.

The types of hysterectomy procedures include:

• Open or abdominal: performed through a large incision in the abdomen
• Laparoscopic: performed through several tiny abdominal incisions
• Vaginal: uterus is accessed and removed through the vagina

How is a laparoscopic hysterectomy performed?

A laparoscopic hysterectomy is a minimally-invasive procedure that requires a few very small incisions in your abdomen. Dr. Weyhrich inserts a laparoscope, which is a thin instrument with a small camera, through one of the incisions. He then surgically removes your uterus and cervix, through one of the small incisions.

Whether you have a vaginal, laparoscopic, or open hysterectomy depends on your diagnosis and medical history. For Dr. Weyhrich, however, open surgery is a last resort and makes up only 5% of his hysterectomies.

What are the benefits of a minimally-invasive hysterectomy?

A laparoscopic or vaginal hysterectomy may be preferable for most women when compared to an open hysterectomy. You’ll experience less pain and a shorter recovery time with either of these procedures, which means you’ll be back on your feet faster.

A laparoscopic or vaginal hysterectomy also requires a shorter hospital stay, and in most cases, may be done as a same-day surgery. There’s also a lower risk of complications such as bleeding, infection, damage to internal organs and structures.