Hysterectomy

Most often, a hysterectomy is done to treat problems with the uterus. These problems include pain and heavy bleeding caused by endometriosis or uterine fibroids. The surgery may also be needed if there is cancer in the uterus, cervix, or ovaries. And it may be done as life-saving surgery if there is heavy bleeding during childbirth that can't be stopped.

In most cases, hysterectomy is an elective surgery. You can choose to have it to treat noncancerous female reproductive system conditions that haven't improved with medical treatment. If you don't plan to get pregnant and have tried other treatment options without success, it may be a reasonable treatment choice.

Other reasons for hysterectomy include:

• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Pelvic organ prolapse
• Adenomyosis
• Chronic pelvic pain (surgery is done only when the pain is caused by a diagnosed condition that can be corrected with a hysterectomy)
• A severe infection of the uterus

There are many ways to do the surgery. The type you have may depend on your medical condition and the size and position of your uterus. It also depends on your overall health. Talk with your physician about which type is right for you.

Abdominal surgery

This is done through a cut that the doctor makes in the lower belly. The cut is called an incision. The physician takes out the uterus through this cut in the belly.

Vaginal surgery

This is done through the vagina. The physician makes a small cut in the vagina instead of the belly. The uterus is removed through this cut in the vagina.

Laparoscopic surgery

The physician puts a lighted tube (laparoscope) through small cuts in the belly. The physician can see your organs with the scope. The physician can insert surgical tools to cut the tissue that holds your uterus in place. Then the uterus is removed. It may be removed through small cuts in the belly. (This is called laparoscopic abdominal hysterectomy.) Or it may be removed through the vagina. (This is called laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy.)

You might go home the day of your hysterectomy or stay in the hospital for several days. Recovery can take 4 to 6 weeks. It depends on which type of surgery you have and your overall health. You will have to take it easy for a few weeks and avoid heavy lifting.