Hysterectomy Q & A
What is a hysterectomy?
A hysterectomy is a surgery during which the uterus is removed. You may need a hysterectomy for a number of reasons, including:
- Endometriosis
- Uterine prolapse
- Uterine fibroids
- Adenomyosis
- Uterine, cervical, or ovarian cancer
- Irregular vaginal bleeding
- Ongoing pain in the pelvis
Not all hysterectomies are the same. During a supracervical or subtotal hysterectomy, your cervix is left in place as your uterus is removed; a total hysterectomy results in the removal of both your uterus and cervix. Or, if necessary
due to the presence of cancer, a radical hysterectomy can be performed, during which the uterus, its surrounding tissue, cervix, and the uppermost part of the vagina are removed.
What is a laparoscopic hysterectomy?
Traditionally, hysterectomies have been performed via a sizeable incision in your abdomen, not unlike the opening for a cesarean section. Unfortunately, this often results in lengthy downtime, more painful recovery, and scarring.
Fortunately, our practice is changing the way hysterectomies are performed in the El Paso area. Our founder, Dr. Richard Farnam, not only performs laparoscopic hysterectomies for his patients at Texas Urogynecology & Laser Surgery Center, but he has also trained
the majority of the physicians in the area on this minimally invasive procedure.
During a laparoscopic hysterectomy, the surgeon makes a very small incision in your belly button. Through that opening, he can use a laparoscope – a long, thin instrument with a camera at the end – to see inside the body
during the procedure. Two more small incisions are all that is needed to pass in the telescopic precision surgical instruments and perform the hysterectomy.
Is a laparoscopic hysterectomy safe?
Absolutely. Because it is minimally invasive, it’s significantly safer than the traditional open abdominal hysterectomy and is an outpatient procedure, meaning you don’t even have to stay in the hospital overnight.
If you’re interested in learning more about your options for a minimally invasive hysterectomy, call Texas Urogynecology & Laser Surgery Center or book your appointment online today.
