Hysterectomy Procedure

A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the uterus. It's a common treatment for a variety of conditions affecting the female reproductive system. If your provider recommended a hysterectomy procedure, you likely have many questions.

At Moreland OB-GYN, we're here to help answer all your questions, including the different types of hysterectomy procedures, how to prepare, and the recovery process. Understanding the procedure and what to expect is a great way to calm your nerves.

What Is a Hysterectomy Procedure?

A hysterectomy is a surgery that removes the uterus. Once the uterus is removed, you will no longer have menstrual periods or be able to become pregnant. There are different types of hysterectomies depending on the reason for surgery. Hysterectomies are one of the most common surgical procedures among women.

Partial Hysterectomy vs. Full Hysterectomy

The type of hysterectomy you have depends on your medical condition and treatment goals. Understanding the differences between a partial and total hysterectomy can help you make informed decisions about your health.

• Partial Hysterectomy (Supracervical Hysterectomy): This procedure removes the uterus but leaves the cervix intact. The ovaries and fallopian tubes may or may not be removed, depending on your specific condition and medical needs. If the ovaries are left in place, your body will continue to produce hormones, which can help prevent early menopause.
  
  
• Total Hysterectomy: This procedure removes both the uterus and cervix. However, like a partial hysterectomy, the ovaries and fallopian tubes may or may not be removed. If the ovaries remain, hormone production continues; if they are removed, menopause will occur immediately.
  
  
• Radical Hysterectomy: This is a more extensive procedure, typically done for cancer treatment. It removes the uterus, cervix, parts of the vagina, and surrounding tissues. The ovaries and fallopian tubes may also be removed, depending on the medical situation.

Your doctor will help determine which type of hysterectomy is best for you based on your medical condition and overall health.

Conditions that May Require a Hysterectomy

Hysterectomies are typically recommended for medical conditions that have not responded to other treatments. Your provider may suggest a hysterectomy for conditions such as:

• Uterine fibroids: Noncancerous growths that can cause heavy bleeding and pain. This condition is the most common reason for performing a hysterectomy.
  
  
• Endometriosis: The growth of tissue that usually lines the uterus outside of the uterus where it does not belong, causing severe pain and abnormal bleeding.
  
  
• Pelvic Organ Prolapse: Involves the weakening or damaging of the muscles and tissues that support the pelvic organs (the uterus and cervix, bladder, vagina, and rectum). This weakening causes one or more organs to drop from their normal position (prolapse) and push against the walls of or drop out of the vagina. Pelvic organ prolapse can lead to urinary and bowel problems, like urinary or fecal incontinence.
  
  
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding: Heavy, prolonged bleeding, often caused by changes in hormone levels, infection, cancer, or fibroids.
  
  
• Endometrial hyperplasia: Caused by abnormal cells that make the lining of the uterus too thick and can be a source of abnormal bleeding. This can also result in endometrial cancer if untreated.
  
  
• Chronic pelvic pain: Pain in the pelvic area lasting six months or longer. Chronic pain can be constant, or it can come and go—it does not have to happen daily to be considered chronic.
  
  
• Cancerous or precancerous conditions: Cancer or precancer of the uterus, cervix, ovaries, or lining of the uterus (endometrium).
  
  
• Adenomyosis: Tissue that lines the uterus and grows inside the walls of the uterus where it does not belong, causing heavy bleeding and severe pain.

Often, less invasive treatments are tried first. If those don’t provide relief, a hysterectomy may be the best solution for long-term health and well-being.

Elective Hysterectomy

While some hysterectomies are medically necessary, many are elective to improve quality of life by reducing pain, heavy bleeding, or chronic discomfort. In some cases, hysterectomies are also part of gender-affirming care.

Hysterectomy Surgical Methods

The main surgical approaches for a hysterectomy procedure include minimally invasive techniques and the traditional abdominal hysterectomy.

Minimally Invasive Hysterectomy Techniques

Minimally invasive procedures typically result in smaller incisions, less scarring, and a faster recovery time compared to traditional surgery. These techniques include:

• Laparoscopic Hysterectomy: This method uses a thin, lighted tube with a small camera (laparoscope) to help the surgeon view your pelvic organs. Tiny incisions are made in the abdomen or vagina to insert the laparoscope and surgical tools, allowing for precise removal of the uterus.
  
  
• Robotic-Assisted Hysterectomy: Similar to a laparoscopic hysterectomy, this approach involves using a robotic system controlled by the surgeon. The robotic arms allow for exact movements through small incisions in the lower abdomen.
  
  
  • Moreland OB-GYN is proud to offer a da Vinci Hysterectomy, the most precise and least invasive hysterectomy available today. Learn more!
    
    
• Vaginal Hysterectomy: In this approach, the uterus is removed through an incision in the vagina, eliminating the need for external abdominal incisions. This procedure is the least invasive option, resulting in minimal scarring and a shorter recovery time.

Traditional Abdominal Hysterectomy

An abdominal hysterectomy is the conventional surgical method, often recommended for more complex conditions such as large fibroids, endometriosis, an enlarged uterus, or certain cancers.

During this procedure, the surgeon makes a horizontal or vertical incision (typically 6 to 8 inches long) in the lower abdomen to access and remove the uterus. Because this method involves a larger incision, it generally requires a longer hospital stay and extended recovery time than minimally invasive techniques.

What to Expect Before and During the Hysterectomy Procedure

Your Moreland OB-GYN provider will discuss the details of your surgery, answer any questions you have, and provide guidance on preparing for the best possible outcome. Here is a high-level overview of what you can expect before and during your hysterectomy procedure.

Before the procedure:

In the weeks or days leading up to your hysterectomy, your provider will:

• Review your medical history to determine the best surgical approach for your needs.
  
  
• Discuss preoperative instructions, including any necessary tests, medications to avoid, and dietary restrictions. They will also provide day-of surgery instructions, such as not eating or drinking before surgery.
  
  
• Provide guidance on recovery expectations, including how long you may need to take off work and what kind of support you may need at home.
  
  
• Address any concerns about the procedure, anesthesia, or post-surgical care.

During the procedure:

The specifics of your hysterectomy will depend on the surgical method your doctor recommends:

• Anesthesia will be administered to ensure you are comfortable and pain-free throughout the procedure. Your doctor will discuss whether general or regional anesthesia is best for you.
  
  
• The surgical method (minimally invasive or traditional) will be performed according to your treatment plan. The procedure typically lasts one to three hours, depending on the complexity.
  
  
• Once the surgery is complete, you will be moved to a recovery area, where the medical team will monitor you as the anesthesia wears off.

Hysterectomy Recovery Time

After a hysterectomy, you may need to stay in the hospital for a few days. The length of stay depends on the type of hysterectomy, the method used by your doctor, and if there are any complications.

The average recovery time for a hysterectomy is about four to six weeks. Laparoscopic and vaginal hysterectomies have a shorter recovery period (about two to four weeks) than an abdominal hysterectomy (which may take up to six weeks).

Below is what you can expect after surgery:

• Discomfort or pain the first few days after the surgery is normal. Your doctor may prescribe medication to manage your pain.
  
  
• You should expect bleeding and discharge from your vagina for several weeks after surgery. Use only a light sanitary pad or panty liner to catch the discharge. Do not use tampons.
  
  
• Constipation or bladder issues are common after most hysterectomies and should go away within a few days or weeks following your surgery.
  
  
• If your surgeon used surgical strips for abdominal incisions, they should fall off on their own within two weeks. Internal stitches should dissolve on their own in a few weeks. You can shower during this period. Wash your incision with soap and water and pat it dry. A bandage isn't necessary.
  
  
• If your surgeon used staples, they will remove them at your follow-up appointment.
  
  

Here are some key instructions to help ensure a smooth and healthy recovery:

• Walk around as soon as possible after your surgery to prevent blood clots in your legs. However, listen to your body and don’t push it. Take short walks and gradually increase the distance you walk each day. Your doctor may also prescribe medication to help prevent blood clots.
  
  
• Rest is key, especially in the beginning of recovery. Plan ahead and ask friends, family, or neighbors to help you when you get home.
  
  
• You should not lift heavy objects (over 10 pounds) for at least four to six weeks or until your doctor says it is okay.
  
  
• Don't have sex or insert anything in your vagina for at least six weeks after surgery, including using tampons or douching. Do not bathe or swim in a pool for at least six weeks following surgery.

When to call your doctor

Contact your Moreland OB-GYN doctor if you're experiencing any of the following symptoms.

• Bright red vaginal bleeding
  
  
• A fever over 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit
  
  
• Difficulty urinating, a burning sensation while you urinate, or frequent urination.
  
  
• Severe nausea or vomiting.
  
  
• Increasing redness, swelling, or drainage from the incision site.
  
  
• Increasing pain (pain gets worse instead of better).

What are the Potential Risks of a Hysterectomy?

Hysterectomy is one of the safest surgical procedures. However, as with any surgery, problems can occur. Short-term risks of hysterectomy may happen in the first 30 days after surgery and are usually mild or minimal. Some short-term risks include:

• Infection
  
  
• Bleeding during or after surgery
  
  
• Injury to the urinary tract or surrounding areas like the bladder, blood vessels, and nerves
  
  
• Blood clots in the veins or lungs
  
  
• Problems related to anesthesia

Some longer-term risks may not appear for weeks or even years after your hysterectomy. Some problems include bowel blockage from intestinal scarring. These problems are more common after an abdominal hysterectomy. Your provider will be happy to discuss any concerns you have about the risks associated with a hysterectomy.

Returning to Normal Activities After a Hysterectomy Procedure

Your Moreland OB-GYN provider will discuss with you when it will be safe to return to normal activities. It is important to slowly increase activities like driving, sports, and light physical work.

• Driving: If you had a laparoscopic or vaginal hysterectomy, you may begin driving within a few days. For abdominal hysterectomy, you may be able to start driving about two weeks after the surgery.
  
  
• Exercise: Depending on how you feel, you may resume your exercise routine four to six weeks after surgery. Remember to listen to your body and take it slow. Resist the urge to jump back into previous activity levels and build up your activity gradually to avoid overdoing it.
  
  
• Work: Depending on your type of work, you can usually return to work in two to six weeks after surgery.
  
  
• Sexual activity: Do not have sex for at least six weeks after surgery. Talk to your provider about when it will be safe to partake in sexual activity following your hysterectomy.

Life After a Hysterectomy Procedure

After a hysterectomy procedure, you will no longer have periods. You may occasionally feel bloated or experience symptoms similar to menstruation. If your ovaries are removed, you may experience menopause symptoms.

• Those who undergo a partial hysterectomy may continue to experience light periods due to small amounts of the endometrial lining that can remain in your cervix.
  
  
• Based on the reason for surgery, you may still need cervical cancer screenings.
  
  
• There can be an increased risk for other health problems after a hysterectomy. If both ovaries are removed, you can be at a higher risk for certain conditions like heart disease and bone loss.. You can talk with your doctor about how to prevent these conditions.
  
  
• Some people experience vaginal dryness or a lower sex drive, especially if the ovaries are removed. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or vaginal gel or lubricants may help to relieve some of these symptoms. Many people report a better sex life due to the relief from pain or heavy vaginal bleeding.

Depending on the reason for treatment, you may experience emotional reactions after having a hysterectomy. You may feel a temporary sense of loss or that the procedure has led to an improvement in your health and well-being. Discuss your emotional concerns with your doctor. They may recommend counseling or a support group to help you process your emotions.

Why Choose Moreland OB-GYN?

At Moreland OB-GYN, we are committed to providing women in the Waukesha area with compassionate, collaborative, and exceptional OBGYN care. We are proud to offer gynecological and obstetric surgeries, including hysterectomy procedures, in an environment where every patient feels safe.

If you have further questions about a hysterectomy procedure, please call us at 262-544-4411 or request an appointment online. We will be happy to speak with you.