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Hysterectomy Procedure

Almost all women know that a hysterectomy procedure refers to the surgical removal of the uterus. Unless a woman has had one herself though she may not know that there are a number of different hysterectomy procedures each directed toward solving particular problems. Since hysterectomy is the first or second most performed type of surgery on females, it may be wise to know a little about the various methods employed in hysterectomies.

Hysterectomy may be used to cure a variety of ailments. Indeed, there are those who think that doctors often prescribe the operation when lesser or alternative therapies should be tried first. However, each circumstance is different and a woman should discuss the particulars of her case in depth with her physician and get a second opinion if she is not confident that hysterectomy is the best path for her.

The most commonly performed procedure is the total hysterectomy. This term is somewhat misleading as a woman might think that total means that all of the reproductive organs will be taken out. However, this type of hysterectomy refers to the removal of the uterus and the cervix only. A salpingo oophorectomy is the medical term for the removal of the fallopian tubes (salpingo) and the ovaries (oophorectomy). There may be times when one ovary is left in order to delay the onset of early menopause. If both sets of tubes and ovaries are taken out the operation is referred to as bilateral.

Partial hysterectomies, sometimes called subtotal, refer to the removal of the uterus only. Occasionally a radical hysterectomy may be necessary. In this procedure the uterus, cervix, both ovaries and both fallopian tubes are removed. In addition, the ovarian ducts, the upper region of the vagina and lymph nodes will be excised.

There are three basic types of hysterectomy surgery: Abdominal, vaginal and laparoscopic. A fourth hybrid method using a laparoscope in combination with a vaginal hysterectomy is sometimes used in order to have a good look at the pelvic region without performing an abdominal procedure.

In the last two decades, laparoscopic hysterectomies have become a widely used procedure. This method uses a long thin optical tool called a laparoscope in conjunction with other slender tools to find, examine and take out the uterus. A good view of the affected area is available with this hysterectomy procedure; however, its use is limited by the size of the organs and/or tissue which must come out.

Abdominal hysterectomies consist of a six to eight inch incision in the abdomen through which the damaged organs are removed. The cut may be made either horizontally or vertically. An operation of this sort is generally performed when the diseased organs have become too large to remove vaginally or with the more slender tools used in a laparoscopic hysterectomy. The doctor is also afforded the best view of the entire area.

Endometriosis and small fibroids may be treated using a vaginal hysterectomy. Although minimally invasive the vaginal hysterectomy can be used for a very small range of problems. As a hysterectomy procedure it offers the physician very little ability to examine the patient for other problems. Sometimes after the procedure has begun a doctor may find that the size and condition of the uterus may dictate changing to an abdominal hysterectomy.

All hysterectomy procedures are traumatic. A woman may want to consider alternative therapies before undergoing a hysterectomy. It is important though to stay in close contact with a gynecologist and not to be afraid to undergo this common procedure without delay if necessary.

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