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Helpful Information on Hysterectomy

Helpful Information on Hysterectomy

Women make the decision to undergo a hysterectomy for a number of different reasons, all of which are personal and should be treated with respect and understanding. While many conditions can be treated without hysterectomy, sometimes hysterectomy is the best, or only, choice for a woman.

A hysterectomy is an operation that removes a woman’s uterus (NOT the ovaries). There are several types: a complete hysterectomy removes the cervix and uterus. A supracervical hysterectomy only removes the uterus- the cervix is left in place. A partial hysterectomy is mis-named – no one has part of their uterus removed. A radical hysterectomy is usually performed when the patient might have cervical cancer; it involves removing structures around the uterus also.

Reasons for opting for a hysterectomy:

  1. Uterine fibroids causing pain, painful cycles, and/or bleeding
  2. Uterine prolapse, which is a falling of the uterus from its normal position into the vaginal canal
  3. A cancerous uterus, cervix, or ovaries
  4. Endometriosis – a painful condition from uterine tissue inside the pelvis
  5. Abnormally prolonged or heavy bleeding
  6. Chronic pelvic pain
  7. Adenomyosis – thickening/enlargement of the uterus

Robotic Surgery

There are different approaches to performing hysterectomy. An open technique, with a large cut on the abdomen, is rarely needed now – most hysterectomies can be done vaginally, with or without laparoscopic help (where small incisions are made into the abdomen). Robotic surgery is less painful than standard laparoscopic surgery, and the precision and detail for the surgeon is amazing, which can lead to safer surgery and better outcomes. Many surgeries that would have to be done with an open cut can be accomplished robotically. It can make very difficult cases much easier for both doctor and patient!

Choose Special Care for Women!

If you or a loved one is having any of these common symptoms, don’t hesitate to give Dr. Braden Richmond & Special Care for Women a call! Dr. Richmond can handle anything from pediatric and adolescent issues, to normal and high risk obstetric care, to performing the latest and most successful gynecologic surgeries. Dr. Richmond takes pride in taking time with patients. meeting their needs, and getting great results! Dr. Richmond is constantly updating his surgical training and education, re-certifying each year, to truly provide special care for women. For more information visit our website at specialcareforwomen.com or give us a call at (256) 435-2229.