Hysterectomy, the surgical removal of the womb, remains one of the most common procedures performed in the United States. The most common indications are bleeding, discomfort – pressure – pain, or fibroid tumors and rarely cancer.

hysterectomyOver the years the indications for hysterectomy have dropped precipitously. Yet older doctors still perform the procedure routinely, when other options are available.

Please get a second opinion if oyu are considering a hysterectomy.

Fibroid tumors are very common, most do not need removal, they are seen routinely on ultrasound and they are completely without symptoms, and may be left alone, or watched on some periodic basis with the simple ultrasound test. The ultrasound test has few downsides, most being, the cost and the inconvenience of the minor discomfort.

Tests such as doppler velocimetry, or CA-125 (made famous by Gilda Radner, can be used as screening tools along with ultrasound for Ovarian cancer.

There are vaginal hysterectomies, morcillated hysterectomies of many types, one’s done through the abdominal incision, a vertical, or a bikini cut. Many surgeons have good experience with laparoscopic or robot assisted laparoscopic hysterectomies.

Please ask if your surgeon is board certified.

In some cases, like cervical cancer a Radical Hysterectomy needs to be done, and if you are pregnant this is also a form of abortion. Ask about this.

Theoretically, Mifepristone for Abortion or RU486 for Abortion could be used prior to the procedure.

Or even Robot assisted laparoscopic vaginal hysterectomies!

Confusing. Educate yourself.

Ask:

1) Does your cervix need to be taken out?

Do you need a SupraCervical Hysterectomy?
A Total Hysterectomy?
Total Hysterectomy and Bilateral SalpingoOophorectomy?
The nomenclature can be confusing.
2) Do your ovaries need to be taken out. Some women as they approach menopause, this may not be a bad idea.