Hysterectomy Surgery

Hysterectomy surgery is one of the most controversial medical procedures. In the United States, in excess of half a million are done each year; only cesarean sections are performed more often than hysterectomy surgery. More than forty percent of hysterectomy surgery occurs to correct endometriosis; which in all but its most chronic forms can be controlled by other methods. As a result many women and some doctors have begun to question what might appear to be a rush to remove a woman’s uterus unnecessarily. Considering that almost one in three women will have had a hysterectomy by the time she reaches her early sixties, there may be some validity to this school of thought.

Certainly there are circumstances where hysterectomy surgery is the only alternative; the possibility of a malignant growth is such a case. Uncontrollable chronic endometriosis or ongoing heavy bleeding also qualifies as a substantial reason for hysterectomy surgery. Advanced uterine prolapse (a condition in which the uterus falls from its normal position down into the vagina) where the uterus has fallen so far that it obstructs bodily and sexual function constitutes another appropriate use of hysterectomy surgery. A case can also be made for using hysterectomy surgery against recurring, large fibroid tumors. Many other maladies, however, may respond to lesser treatments. At the very least a woman and her doctor should be able to explore less invasive therapies.

When endometriosis has not invaded other organs and is not overly abundant there are several avenues of attack short of hysterectomy surgery. Hormone therapy is one option. Endometrial ablation (the removal of the lining of the uterus) may also alleviate the disease. Moderate bleeding may also be corrected by endometrial ablation.

Hysterectomy surgery is quite often used to eradicate uterine fibroids. Again, small to medium size fibroids can many times be eradicated by other means. As with endometriosis fibroids may shrink in response to hormone therapy. They can also be surgically excised without removing the entire uterus. Women who are approaching menopause may want to adopt a wait and see approach to their fibroids. The growth of fibroids is energized by hormones. Often times when the production of female hormones diminishes at the onset of menopause the fibroids shrink naturally.

Uterine prolapse accounts for more than fifteen percent of hysterectomy surgery. While extreme cases uterine prolapse may become so severe that the only solution is removal of the uterus, a woman may want to contemplate exercise and perhaps the use of a pessary (a support device inserted into the vagina) before consenting to hysterectomy surgery.

No woman should be rushed into hysterectomy surgery; likewise, no woman should avoid hysterectomy surgery that is vital to her health. Therefore, when a woman is told that hysterectomy surgery may be necessary she should feel free – under a doctor’s care – to explore the other options that may be available to correct her condition.